Electrobrachium indespectus
Macrobrachium indespectus descended from Macrobrachium gigacherax which have began a mutualistic relationship with the synaplot Licheiromimus lentus.
The Macrobrachium indespectus has developed thicker limbs that are sturdy along with a larger body size of 35 centimeters in length, and travels more slowly in general, allowing the Licheiromimus lentus a place to grow throughout its body. Macrobrachium indespectus has set in eyes and a brow covering which prevents Licheiromimus from accidentally spreading into the eye.
The casual foraging of Macrobrachium indespectus for plant matter at deeper sea levels for plant matter also kicks up microscopic parts of the remains that may then drift into Licheiromimus lentus when the pincher claws scoop them into its mouth, allowing riding colonies to grow faster than if they were on their own on rocks. In return, the Licheiromimus colonies provide camouflage to Macrobrachium indespectus from predators, making it appear to be the synaplot itself from above, which is poor in nutrition, rather than the crustacean-like musculate it is.
To harbor this helpful relationship though, this creature has made some sacrifices.Macrobrachium indespectus becomes too heavy to swim as it grows, and instead crawls on the ocean floor at a slow pace of 1 mph. They are also solitary and have a slow metabolism, taking almost two years to sexual maturity, but are able to live off of low quality food sources and have a robust exoskeleton that can protect adults. Macrobrachium indespectus does not consume Licheiromimus lentus though, as those with the instinct to ignore it are typically the most protected. They will forage for their food during the night and will rest near rocks and sand during the day.
Fully-grown Macrobrachium indespectus will reproduce with the first compatible opposite-sex member of its species in late autumn, and females carry around 100 eggs in their tail flukes while the male releases its sperm via external fertilization. Those eggs will hatch in the spring, and the hatchlings will swim off on their own and find an area abundant in the Licheiromimus lentus synaplot. They will rub some of it on their claws and then forage the floor to feed. Only about 3-5 of those young will survive to sexual maturity, the majority of those casualties being fed on by predators within the first year, when they are not as sluggish and not as much Licheiromimus covers their bodies.
