Xenoslontus contritiomolaris
As competition among the growing Xenoslontus quadrambiguus populations became more intense, populations of the species began to take advantage of different sources of food. While the ancestors of X. rimorsqualus took advantage of organic matter in the sediment, a different population started to specialize in eating the local members of the genus Fibonaccus. The species Xenoslontus contritiomolaris developed as the populations evolved specific adaptations to better hunt this type of prey.
10 centimeters long
Originated in Zone C1
The main obstacle for X. contritiomolaris to bypass when feeding on their prey are the tough shells which do not break easily. This favored individuals with tougher, partially calcified skin, that could more easily bypass the shells. This evolutionary trend led to the roof of their upper jaw becoming calcified and growing at a consistent rate, creating what one could call a giant molar tooth. This "tooth" was large enough to partially poke out of the mouth even when closed and in conjunction with the calcified outer rim of the lower jaw, can apply enough blunt force to shatter the shells of their Ossuran prey before being gulped down. To help sneak up on their prey while also avoiding predators, X. contritiomolaris has evolved countershading with the top of the body being a reddish brown while the underside is a dark grey.
While they primarily feed upon Ossurans like members of the Fibonaccus genus, X. contritiomolaris will occasionally feed upon carrion. Since their "molar" on the upper jaw is already adapted to crushing, osteophagy comes naturally to this species when they feed on carcasses.
X. contritiomolaris will lay small batches of eggs of around 30 in number, which are then covered in the ancestral layer of mucus. They take about 1 week to develop and hatch, after which reaching adulthood within a mere month.
