[SPECIES DEVELOPMENT] GUMMI CATFISH]

[skinstealer]

GUMMI CATFISH
[CW: very simple/brief mentions of reproduction (literally just a mention cmon now it's a SFW thread)]

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ORIGIN

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• Originated in [ocean zone near Luxson Cluster]
  
• Created by ???? in [year]
  
• First morph: Tasty Treat
  
• ????
  

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CULTURE

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• Found almost exclusively in the seas around the Luxson Cluster, though some have managed to immigrate to other oceanic zones (and some terrestrial ones.)
  
• Over-development of candy shell is frequent in sickly gummi catfish, which while completely harmless towards their long term health, can be irritating and considered a cosmetic defect.
  
• Another condition possibly afflicting gummi catfish is sugar barnacles latching onto their bodies, sapping their energy in small amounts.
  
• Due to their relatively weak bodies and lack of natural defenses (aside from sharp teeth), gummi catfish have adapted by both living around stronger members of other sapient species willing to protect them from predatory species and fauna and picking up weaponry when exploring the open ocean.
  
• Some gummi catfish choose to live on land in the Luxson Cluster itself, capable of breathing air just as much as any other terrestrial species- but they do need regular access to sea water to stay healthy!
  
• ????
  

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APPEARANCE

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• Round, gummy-like shapes
  
• Markings rare, akin to poured gummy gradients if present (think gummi worms)
  
• Voices are composed of garbled, high pitched babbles
  
• Paw pads are present
  
• Tails are typically fin-shaped
  
• Hair does not naturally occur, though modding can happen
  
• No legs, mermaid-like in body plan
  
• Long arms ending in large paws
  
• ????
  

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BIOLOGY

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• No skeletons, muscles, nerves, organs, or blood- solid gummi material.
  
• Hard candy shells can sometimes grow on top of the gummi catfish skin, and can be removed to no adverse effects. Candy “pearls” can also grow within the gummi catfish and can be safely removed, with any empty space left behind filling in within a few weeks.
  
• Sharp teeth
  
• Sugar-based diet
  
• Average energy levels
  
• Gummi catfish often dart around in the water to express emotion, using full body gestures (particularly with the paws) to emote.
  
• Solid, cat-like ears
  
• Black eyes
  
• Sugar coated gummi texture- does not dissolve in water.
  
• Prone to playing with trinkets and baubles floating by, easily distracted- sometimes leaving them prone to attacks from more predatory species (both fauna and sapient)
  
• ????
  

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LIFE CYCLE/FAMILY STRUCTURE

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• Gummi catfish reproduce sexually and have minimal sexual dimorphism.
  
• Gummi catfish lay eggs in clutches of 3-5, and refer to their children as gummi guppies.
  
• Gummi guppies are kept close to their parents if possible, watching for potential sea predators. They are particularly vulnerable in this stage of their lives and prone to injury, easily bitten or cut into.
  
• Gummi catfish live in family groups referred to as “schools”, with groups of parents taking care of their young together, alongside with family friends and community members.
  
• Schools typically consist of 2-3 family groups, along with a handful of family friends/community members.
  
• Gummi catfish value casual relationships more than committed relationships, partially due to the fact that their lives are so commonly at risk- to lose a casual partner to a predator is potentially less devastating than a committed one in some gummi catfishes’ eyes.
  
• Leaving a school is often considered cause for worry due to the dangers of the open ocean, and is best considered when there’s a solid plan on the table.
  
• ????
  

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GENETICS

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• Morphs are inspired by different types of gummy candy and aquatic life.
  
• Mixed morph children often have candy traits mixed from their parents, such as a sour stinger’s tentacles or a peppermint patty’s thick, stubby fins.
  
• First morph: Tasty Treat
  
• Gummi catfish do not often have hybrid children with other species, but in the rare occasion that they do occur, some amount of their anatomy typically manifests as gummy candy, something that can lead to illness or death.
  
• Common horror mutations include size increase, hunger increase, teeth growth, excess pearl/shell growth, carnivorous diet, bioluminescence, candy toxicity, claw growth, mood instability
  
• ????
  

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MORPHS

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Disclaimer: All morph images are old, and designs are planned to be revamped.


Tasty Treat
"????”
????

• Based on gummies and sharks
  
• Fin-shaped tail
  
• Big paws
  
• Sharp teeth
  

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Sour Stinger
"????”
????

• Based on sour belts and jellyfish
  
• Gummi bell head, body and arms/paws
  
• Sour belt stingers
  

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Peppermint Patty
"????”
????

• Based on spearmint leaf gummies and sunfishes
  
• Thick, stout bodies
  
• Ribbed fins
  
• Thick paws
  

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Mini Morsel
"????”
????

• Based on gummies and remoras
  
• Creme gummi on top half
  
• Smaller paws
  
• Fin shaped tail
  

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Chewy Chunk
"????”
????

• Based on gummies and whales
  
• Very large size
  
• Large paws
  
• Small ears
  
• Fin shaped tail
  

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RULES

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This is a species development thread! Here you can have discussion on the species presented, and offer suggestions/ideas for developing them- thus directly contributing to the species! Anything is fair game so long as it follows the restrictions (if any are listed). This main post will be updated as we go, allowing for people to always have an up to date resource on the species.

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Restrictions/No-go's

• Keep it SFW!!!!