Sea platypus (SciiFii)

The sea platypus (Bertodanotherium exilum) is a species of anatophocoid monotreme, closely related to platypuses (Ornithorhynchidae), that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the temperate shorelines throughout the southern hemisphere to help boost biodiversity. On average, the sea platypus measures about 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) in length, making it larger than (most species of) platypus species. The sea platypus is a piscivore and primarily feeds on small fish and cephalopods. The sea platypus' bill is similar to those of the true platypus, except narrower and with a slight hook at the tip. The tail is also rather long and not flattened, forming an important element of propulsion while underwater. Unlike (most) platypuses, the sea platypus catches its prey higher in the water column nearer to the surface. The female sea platypus, like other monotremes, returns to the shore to mate and lay their eggs. The young are born fully-furred, unlike most monotremes, as an adaptation to the cooler temperatures in the coastlines. However, the young are blind and helpless, and are cared for by their mothers for several months until they're independent from their mothers and reach sexual maturity at 3 years in age. The average lifespan of the sea platypus is between 10-15 years in the wild, while captive specimens have been known to live to be almost 20 years. The conservation status of the sea platypus is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the sea platypus's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii