anatomy info wrote:The head of a Cyodin is fairly simple. The general shape is pretty round, with low cheeks. A Cyodin's snout is short-medium length and rounded, with a rabbit-like nose. Their eyes are pretty big, as they need to be able to see in both darkness and light! Unlike most aquatic species, the Cyodin have large and sensitive ears.
Attached to a Cyodin's head is their lure! The end of the lure is coated in the same bioluminescent algae that covers their tail and neck, and allows them to attract food, much like an Angler fish! Rarely, a Cyodin may hatch without a lure, but don't stress, as those without lures can often get by just fine by using the algae on the rest of their body! It just takes more work, that's all.
A Cyodin's claws are large and thick, with rounded tips. When they need to dig, the claws will come together to form a shovel-like shape, ideal for digging into the terrain around them! There are no paw pads on the front paws, so a Cyodin cannot comfortably put pressure on their palms. Instead, they prefer to float!
The body of a Cyodin is long and thin, with a dense waterproof coat which is especially prone to algae growth around the neck, tail, and ears. This algae doesn't hurt the Cyodin at all, and is used to attract the food they hunt. In the case of a Cyodin's algae dying, they're no longer able to hunt until a new colony of algae is produced. While Cyodin do have lungs and CAN breathe in air, obviously they spend 99% of their lives in the water. As such, they do actually have gills! The gills are placed at the top of their neck, near the head, and are covered by the algae growth. The only time a Cyodin's gills would be visible is when the algae is dried up, or dead. Either way, seeing a Cyodin's gills isn't considered a good sign.
When it comes to the tail and algae, the algae may cover the entire tail, or even just the fin portion of the tail! The option is entirely up to you.
The colors of a Cyodin tend to follow certain guides. Body color cannot be neon, with a darker back and lighter stomach. (The light/dark bits are optional, but preferred for camouflage!) Algae will be any bright color, including neons, but may not be any shade of grey, white, or black. Algae that is greyscale is considered diseased or dying, and can only occur through illness and events. There are no limits on patterning/markings!
A visual guide is available here! 
