Tiburok Selachiluma crystallaris

APPEARANCE

Sizewise, most Tiburoks are of a similar size to the domesticated cats of Earth.  The most numerous variant is the empyrian purple, although they are not actually the original type.  That said, Tiburoks come in a number of different appearances, some of which seem to be influenced by seasons or even by strange magics.  To see the currently available different types of Tiburok, please visit the Encyclopedia.

HABITAT

The original habitat of the Tiburok was the Eternal Depths.  As they have been close to Dextroluma back to their early days as a species, Tiburoks no longer have a natural habitat, being wholly domesticated and differentiated genetically in the same way that an Earth dog or cat is from their relatives.  Feral Tiburoks prefer areas with large bodies of water, due to their need to sleep in water (except for those who have been bred for survival in the Obsidian Peaks), but are otherwise happy to adapt to any environment.  They can breathe and float in the air when awake, but revert to breathing liquid when asleep, something that puzzles Dextroluma researchers.

Behaviors

Tiburok vocalize quite often, and are in particular known for little bubbling sounds that are considered to be similar to a purr, and warning 'rumbles'.  They have high levels of intelligence and were traditionally trained to help Dextroluma to hunt prey.  Nowadays, they are often trained for pet sports and to do tricks.  They are typically quite unafraid of Dextroluma, or of any other species with a humanoid body configurtation, and see them all as potential givers of pets and food, and have as such become quite popular beyond even Dextroluma - although most species find it difficult to get a tank or other environment with enough water to sustain them.

DIET

Tiburoks generally prefer a diet of cooked meat and mushrooms.  They typically prefer whatever mushrooms their owners eat most often, although some varieties require a specific type of mushroom for their well-being.  It's always important to consult a veterinarian before getting an unfamiliar variety!

ROLES

Tiburoks no longer have a natural role in wild food chains.  They are most typically hunting pets or just regular pets to Dextroluma and occasionally to other species who have visited Aerius.

REPRODUCTION

Eggs.

LIFESPAN

Due to the effects of magic, Tiburoks owned by another species will live for as long as their owner does.  A feral Tiburok seems to be able to live to about fourty if it is fortunate.

CORRUPTION

Tiburoks can contract necrosis, however, it hasbeen noted that corrupted Tiburok seem to change from their original variety into something unique to their kind, as do cured ones.  It is unknown why this is, but it is hypothesized to be an evolutionary adaptation to allow them to survive on a new mushroom diet, as corrupted and cured Tiburok seem to need different mushrooms from their pure counterparts.