=== Longuscollidon === The Siloskormos clade is known to be one of the most diverse groups of animals living on Teraminos. With members of the clade ranging from the size of a mole to rivalling the size of various sauropods, most of these animals are adequately adapted to living life on land, distinguished by their proportionately long necks that allows them to browse on tall trees. But the largest member of the clade doesn't just live on land. In fact, it prefers to live in the oceans of Teraminos. With an imposing size, secret weapons and a temperamental attitude, the Longuscollidon is a creature that very few dare to challenge. === Description === The Longuscollidon is a gargantuan beast; the average bull can reach up to 66 metres in length and 20 metres high, tipping the scales at a massive 180 tons. One alleged (and highly disputed) bull, nicknamed 'Elliot', was said to be 99 metres long, 33 metres high and was estimated to weigh up to 300 tons. The cows, on the other hand, are two times lighter and almost 40% shorter. Running down its neck are small, soft sacs that the creature uses to store nutrients as well as two, large sails on the male. The neck is also covered with numerous false eyes, thought to be an adaptation to prevent parasitic attacks. The Longuscollidon has a large, soft shell lying on its back. Its purpose is currently unknown, but one theory suggests that the shell is simply an evolutionary leftover from the animal's ancestors. The shell also carries curious protrusions resembling chimneys, and they are named as such. These are actually extra nostrils that the creature uses as snorkels whilst it feeds on the seafloor. The legs of the Longuscollidon are webbed and sturdy, with each toe having a suction cup that is used to maintain grip as it is moving. The forelimbs in particular have also evolved into massive flippers-like legs that are used to prevent the animal from being tossed around in rough currents. Its tail is highly unique, splitting up into a double fork. Both sides of the fork end in a sort of pitcher shape and are known as 'cannons'. The tail is also covered with extremely sharp spurs, each of which contains the creature's secret weapon. The Longuscollidon has a large 'hinge' (known as a cancrorum) on the top of its skull, causing its head to look like a crab claw from afar. The cancrorum is used to break open coral-esque plants and to help the creature hold onto food while it eats. It, like the animal's neck, is also covered in a multitude of fake eyes. The bull's cancrorum is far larger and more colourful than the cow's for display purposes. === Behaviour === Unlike other members of its clade, the Longuscollidon is semi-aquatic, preferring to live in Neo-Megali's continental shelf. However, it has been known to wander onto land either to bask in the sun, retire for the night, eat certain types of food to supplement its diet or breed. Cows are somewhat social and will often live in small herds. These groups are often tightly knit and are led by the oldest and most experienced member. Calves are similar, living in small creches. On the other hand, bulls are solitary and highly territorial, sometimes even aggressively attacking other animals such as Armatulinguasaurus (whom they frequently have territorial battles with) without the slightest provocation. However, they tolerate the presence of females and calves in their territory, with some bulls being reported to come to the aid of distress calls. === Feeding === A herbivore, the Longuscollidon feeds on a variety of aquatic and terrestrial plants, with the former making up approximately 60% of its diet. The animal uses its sensitive cancrorum to hold and manipulate food, as well as to break open the shells of coral-esque plants. When the animal is eating underwater, it will use its chimneys to breath air. Occasionally, the Longuscollidon will also wander onto land to feed on terrestrial plants to supplement its diet, often preferring leaves, flowers and fruit. Once the food is swallowed, some of its nutrients are stored in the food sacs that run down the animal's neck. When food becomes scarce, the Longuscollidon will open these sacs using its mouth and feast on the stored nutrients. Fortunately, the sacs will often regenerate after a couple of days and will be ready to store more nutrients afterwards. (CONTINUED IN NOTES AND CREDITS)
=== Predators and weapons === Due to his massive size and sheer aggression, an adult bull has almost nothing to fear on both land and water. The cows and calves, meanwhile, are more vulnerable to predation from large predators. To defend itself, the Longuscollidon comes equipped with a secret weapon: a unique type of venom that lies within its tail's spines. This venom often disables the victim's mitochondria once it enters their body in large doses, which will eventually cause large amounts of organ failure, hypothermia and eventual death for the victim. The Longuscollidon itself is immune to its own venom. As well as this, the tail's cannons are not just for show; they are able to fire out burning hot enzymes that take the form of highly pressurised jets. The Longuscollidon can fire this mix with surprising accuracy, often aiming towards its target's eyes. Alternatively, it may also defend itself with powerful stomps and bites. === Trivia === The Longuscollidon is most populous in the coastal areas of eastern Neo-Megali, mostly spending its life in the water where it feasts on aquatic plants. When it occasionally surfaces to feast on terrestrial plants, it sometimes comes into conflict with the much smaller Armatulinguasaurus (although most of these are caused by highly aggressive bull Longuscollidons). While these fights sometimes result in major injuries being inflicted to both parties, they rarely end in death. During the mating season, a bull Longuscollidon will often haul himself onto land to court a female. This is achieved by him rearing up onto his hind legs and slowly waving his cancrorum from side to side. Cows will often select the bulls who are able to stay upright the longest, as it often indicates their strength and endurance. After mating, cows will lay their eggs in the Eastern Rainforest, scraping up small holes to deposit them. When the grapefruit-sized calves hatch, they will at first live a fully terrestrial life in the Eastern Rainforest without any parental care. However, they grow extremely quickly; a baby Longuscollidon can gain up to 14 kg/day and often reaches its adult size within 15-20 years. === Credits === @Ahmraptor10 for creating Teraminos as a whole. @Nightbr1nger and @ThatCorruptedDino for giving me some suggestions for the Longuscollidon's rework, even if some of them didn't make the final cut. The waves in the art were based off of this beautiful animation from @Nightbr1nger: https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/1239143531/ Also happy 5th birthday to Longuscollidon! Music: Tremors on Land and Sea - Lagiacrus' Theme - Monster Hunter Wilds by Capcom (I thought the music was fitting okay?)
