Aquatic Biome

An aquatic breed of Nyms species! Quick doodle done tonight while watching Surfs Up with friends (best penguin movie ever, very underrated sadly). Ive had this in mind for a while, thinking of what different breeds of Nyms species would look like. Heres a little info on this breed!

An aquatic one like this one uses its wings just like penguins to swim. The wings, like penguin wings, cant fold, so theyre held back and out while they walk on all fours or their hind legs. Their tails have developed into thick rudders like otters tails, the tail feathers becoming short fin-like structures. They can close their nostrils and ears, and hold their breath for up to an hour. In the interest of reducing drag while swimming, the head crest is gone. However their ears are still very expressive even underwater, though laid back while swimming the most part. The hand paws and back paws are webbed, and sport small sharp curved talons to grip coral, or underwater rock (or prey).

They can make their homes in a variety of coastal areas, from tropical to arctic. Making their homes in rocky outcrops or building igloo like compounds for group housing in the snow and ice. Some who live in warmer climates simply dwell on the beach and make temporary beds from surrounding leaf matter. They are extremely quick, and expert fishers, often competing directly with other marine carnivores. Like humans, some arctic groups have specialized in hunting whales, but only kill one whale per year to feed the entire colony.