Zhebenki
| Zhebenki | |
|---|---|
| |
| Fullbody sketch of a Zhebenki. Art by Camille. | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | TBD
|
| Kingdom: | TBD
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| Phylum: | TBD
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| Class: | TBD
|
| Order: | Furittoidea
|
| Family: | Zebenchidae
|
| Genus: | |
| Species: | Zebenchis zebenchis
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| Binomial name | |
| Zebenchis zebenchis | |
Zhebenki (sg. and pl.), binomial Zebenchis zebenchis, are the native sophonts of Celiane. They are characterised by their short stature, on average reaching about half a metre standing on their hind legs, their semi-aquatic lifestyle, and sophonce.
Appearance
Body
Zhebenki possess four limbs, all used in locomotion, though their front limbs may be used for manipulating their environment. Their hands and feet are mostly symmetrical and possess six fingers each, tipped with long, blunt claws and big, round pads. Their bodies superficially resemble those of mustelids. They are cylindrical, with a tapering snout and tail. They possess fins on the cheeks, forehead, back and sides that, although helpful in swimming, are mostly used in emoting, and whiskers used in chemoreception.
Head
The head of a zhebenki possesses two almond-shaped eyes, four fins, two on the cheeks and two on the forehead, a pair of ears, a pair of nostrils on the forehead, and a mouth with two main jaws and two minor jaws on each side.
Eye colour
Zhebenki eye colour varies between reds, pinks, browns, greens and blues.
Coloration
A zhebenki's skin is pigmented by melanin, so it varies between pink flesh tones, dark browns and blacks. Certain patches of skin, particularly their pawpads and the tips of their fins, tend to present hot pink coloration. Their fur varies in pattern and its coloration may include whites, blacks, browns, reds, pinks and greys.
Biology
Anatomy
Blood and respiration
Zhebenki blood makes use of a mix of iron and copper-based compounds, and it is a mild violet when exposed to oxygen. It remains colourless when deoxygenated.