Tentomastomiformes

Subphylum: Psariaskoulikion

Clade: Welachimorpha

Superclass: Karcharias

Clade: Oikarcharieseinaioiidioi

Order: Dendrocharis

Clade: Prostomia

Group: Temtomastomistomiformes

• Humeophantidae

• Platyramifostomidae

• Kamelikormidae

• Bicerastomaidae

•Leptoramifostomidae

**Tentomastomiformes** (From greek for τέντωμα for stretch and stóma for mouth) or deer shark are a group of Oikarcharieseinaioiidioi belonging to the Karcharias superclass. they consist of many families of herbivorous weird sharks that take similar appearances to Earth's ungulates and afrotheria, particulary deer and antelope. They are one of the most common herbivorous groups on Secundoterra taking many niches from browsers to grazers.

## Anatomy

Tentomastomaiformes have many traits that make them adapting for a life of herbivory. Their long legs end in an ungulate like hoof. Their skulls point upwards with their sensory organs located close to the snout, this gives them almost perfect 360˚ vision, hearing and smell.

#### Trunk Mouth

Since Karcharias evolved with a jaws separate from the skull, the Tentomastomiformes much like other evolved to bring the jaw further outward into a proboscis like trunk, this allows them to feed whilst expending little energy from the body, it is loaded with small teeth suited for cutting vegetation ready for digestion, thusly many species have reduced necks as the trunk and upper skull reduce the need for head movement. They have greatly reduced organs for vocalisation and are thusly silent and incapable of making any form of call. Experts reckon this is a recent evolutionary trend as rainforest species (which seem to have the most basal features of the group) still use vocalisation.

#### Legs

Tentomastomiformes have long legs ending in a single digit with a hoof like structure on the end of their toes.

#### Tail Fins

Their tail fins are reorientated to create two tail like structures, the top tail is stiff with bright patterns observed to be used to communicate amongst individuals, the patterns are uniquely different to each species. The bottom tail is flexible and in many larger groups, creates a strong weaponised tail to act as a defence weapon (It has been hypothesised that some have barbed or spiked tails but has yet to be observed) however it is greatly reduced in species that are specialised to running.

Their skin is consists of simple mosaic like scales that have simple colourations and patterns that blend into their surroundings. Some species have been observed to have evolved quill or spine like filaments as protection against predators.

## Behaviour

Many Tentomastomaiformes live in family groups of up to 3 to 20 individuals depending on the species and habitat. Species that live on open plains like *T.vacca* and *T.nniti* live in large herds that are regularly on the move to find suitable grazing spots. Meanwhile forest dwelling species like *T.sp* live in small, tightly knit family groups that keep a constant look out for each other.

All Tentomastomiformes use their upper tails to communicate with each other; to alert predators, to ward off threats and to signal when they are receptive for mating. Many species have different shapes and patterns to ensure they are communicating to the right species of Tentomastomiform. So simple is this language other species have picked up on this communication to either exploit it for hunting, or further strengthen symbiotic relationships with them.

Most notably many Tentomastomiformes have formed a symbiotic relationship with a group of Ntanokarcharia called the Monoptreyidae. The Tentomastomiformes help provide safety for them in their herds and groups whilst the Monoptreyidae provide extra lookout, some even feed on external parasites that plague the Tentomastomiformes skin.