Zigata
Knowledge
Current status:
Living
Intelligence grade:
5
Lifespan ( Sols ):
30
Origin:
Anima Ocean
Population:
Dense
Pronunciation:
zee-gah-ta
Distribution:
Regional
Conservation:
None
Enemies:
None
Allies:
None
First discovered:
5th era
About
The Zigata has a robust exoskeleton, articulated limbs, and large pincers. Its slightly flattened, oval-shaped body is covered in a hard shell, and it typically ranges from 30 cm to 50 cm in width, making it relatively large compared to typical crab-like creatures. The colour of Zigatas varies, from sandy browns and greys to more vibrant reds, which provide excellent camouflage against the ocean floor and coral reefs.
Zigatas primarily inhabit the shallow to mid-depth waters of the Anima Ocean, favouring coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and seagrass beds. They are known to burrow into the sand or hide within the crevices of reefs. As omnivorous scavengers,
Zigatas feed on detritus, small fish, algae, and occasionally predate on smaller marine organisms. Their powerful pincers are adept at cracking open shells and other hard materials. Zigatas have a high reproductive rate, with females capable of laying thousands of eggs at a time. These eggs hatch into planktonic larvae before settling into the benthic environment as juveniles.
The population density of Zigatas is extremely high in the Anima Ocean. This abundance is due to their high fecundity, adaptable diet, and the relatively few natural predators that target adult Zigatas. However, their larvae are vulnerable to a variety of marine species. The high population density of Zigatas has significant ecological implications.
On the positive side, Zigatas play a crucial role in the ocean's ecosystem by cleaning up detritus and contributing to the nutrient cycle. Their burrowing behaviour helps aerate the ocean floor, benefiting other marine life. However, in some areas, their sheer numbers can lead to overgrazing on seagrasses, potentially disrupting the balance of local marine habitats.