Shulker

Basic Information

Anatomy

A shulker is a bivalve species with high intelligence and irritability. The "true" body of the shulker is really quite small and delicate, so it relies on the protection of its hard, hinged shell. The body is egg-shaped and creamy-coloured, and has few discernible features except for the creature's two eyes. In the wild, all shulkers have light purple shells, but individuals in captivity have been bred to have a wide range of colours. Shulker shells secrete a mild adhesive, which allows them to stick to walls and ceilings.

Genetics and Reproduction

Shulkers are hermaphrodites and reproduce externally. After finding a suitable place, shulkers will release eggs onto the ground and wait for other shulkers to fertilise them; whereupon eggs will form. Those eggs will eventually, through cellular division, grow into larvae and then baby shulkers.

Ecology and Habitats

Being native to the End, shulkers thrive in cold, dry, and dark environments. They are annoyed by light, and will hide in their shells whenever possible if the surroundings are too bright for their tastes. They also seem to hate water and will teleport away if their shell comes in contact with it.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Shulkers have all standard senses, with sight as their primary input. However, given their ability to apparently sense incoming danger and teleport away, even when the shell is shut (thereby blocking their vision), it is theorised that shulkers have some kind of extra sense.
Additionally, they can teleport in a manner similar to an Ender, but their abilities are nowhere near as powerful. When threatened, shulkers spit out a projectile that forces the target to levitate. While this attack does little initial harm, the damage caused by the fall can be deadly.

Origin/Ancestry

From the End.

Lifespan

70 years

Conservation Status

Near Threatened