Kalkaju are miniscule creatures resembling chinchillas that, like amphibians, are able to reside in both aquatic and land environments. A shy but friendly animal, they take to people quite well once they learn to trust them. This species is born with scales along their lower back and across their muzzles. They also have what seem to be a `crown` of floating orbs around their heads and fin-like growths behind their legs to help them swim in deep waters. They consume mostly fruits, nuts, insects and small fish, which they use their long, curled tongues to snap out and catch. Kalkaju are a timid species, however, they will warm up to you quickly and are excellent companions once domesticated.
Size::
Full grown Kalkaju are normally the size of a chinchilla,
which is roughly 9-12 inches long and 5-6 inches tall.
Average heights through the stages:
Adult: 11 inches
Adolescent: 8 inches
Child: 5 inches
Newborn: (less than) one inch_________________________________________________________________________________________________Habitat:: Kalkaju are amphibious, so they are able to live on land, mostly mountains, or in shallow waters.
Diet::Their diet consists mainly of fruits/berries, nuts, insects and small fish.*note -- since I made the lineart too small for the huge canvas (which I selected accidentally), two Kalkaju will be released each time, instead of one. I have duplicated their layers, so there are two Kalkaju in one canvas. c:
Behavior❂ Kalkaju share many similar behavior and physical characteristics with chinchillas, such as being timid, intelligent and playful.
❂ Kalkaju's front arms are quite a bit shorter than their hind legs, easily making them partly bipedal. They can sit or stand or their hind legs for extended periods of time if needed. For example, they will do this when eating food.
❂ Their method of eating is holding the food item in their front paws while sitting back on their back legs, as seen in most rodents.
❂ They have pouch-type cheeks, to store small amounts of food when needed.
❂ Kalkaju are very active animals, and don't do very well when left to sit with little or nothing to do to entertain themselves, as they bore easily.
❂ To display affection, a Kalkaju will nibble on your finger lightly. And, you can tell if a Kalkaju feels comfortable and safe in their environment if they roll over to display their stomach, either while asleep or at a random time of the day.
❂ The sounds they make can range from small mewls (like a kitten) to quiet chirping/squeaking noises.
❂ Kalkaju enjoy walking around with half their tongue sticking out, no one knows why. Perhaps they just like to act silly euePhysical Characteristics❂ Their coloration almost always includes one natural color such as brown, grey, beige, black, russet or white. Their designs will not be too bright (e.g. Highlighter colors), and their patterns are usually relatively simple.
❂ Their orbs are always one color, never a mix of more than one.
❂ It is possible for their eyes, claws and tongues to be different colors, but they should be similar.
❂ It is very rare for them to not have an orb crown, or less/more orbs, but still slightly possible.
❂ Mutations such as extra fur, different ears, hair, different tails are completely possible, but are uncommon.
❂ They will not grow any larger than a regular sized chinchilla.
❂ When they produce offspring, they will usually lay two eggs, no more.~ Rules ~❂ Respect all staff and all community members
❂ Do not steal the designs or species concept
❂ Do not ask to be a staff member unless applications are available
❂ You may own 3 Kalkaju as of now, this is prior to change
❂ A kalkaju may not be your fursona, though it can be a character
❂ You may not sell your Kalkaju for profit
❂ No bribing or complaining
❂ Customs will not be offered to the general public
❂ If you have any questions, feel free to pm me or post here
❂ Please try not to spam excessively
❂ You may not edit your Kalkaju (e.g. to add hair or fur edits)
without permission. Hair edits may not be added.
❂ Feel free to add accessories and items!
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Contest Rules::
- ❂ You may make as many entries as you wish!
❂ You are allowed to make edits (fur, hair, tail, ears etc) on 3 of your entries
❂ Please follow coloration rules, nothing too bright, only 5 colors/shades in one design to keep them simple,
and at least one natural color
❂ Use lock alpha!
❂ Do not remove the scales, orbs or fins. They are a part of the Kalkaju!
❂ Only one color for the orbs please
❂ Dont overdo it with edits, accessories or design
❂ If you dont win, please dont use the kalkaju you made as a custom uvu
❂ Dont whine on other people's entries or put them down
❂ For first places, I will be giving out 3-5 artist positions, maybe more if I am really impressed with the entries
❂ For second place(s) i will be giving out a few Guest Artist positions, the amount of designs a particular GA is allowed to make will be decided by me at the end of the contest
❂ For third place(s), I will be giving out custom slots. You may keep one of your entries as a custom if you wish
❂ and for runner ups and honorable mentions, I will be giving out rare and very rare pets, or another staff position like moderator or archivist.
The end date is: Undecided
Good Luck! I cant wait to see your entries <3
