Mizutsune Ecology

In-Game Information
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Taxonomy
Tamamitsune is a recently discovered species of Leviathan that resembles a sacred beast found in Yukumo Village's legends.

Habitat Range
Tamamitsune have been identified living in the Misty Peaks, Primal Forest, and Tower.

Ecological Niche
Tamamitsune are carnivorous in nature, feeding mainly on fish and other small prey. However, Tamamitsune are known to feed on larger prey occasionally like Kelbi. Though Tamamitsune are capable predators, they must compete with other large predatory monsters like Zinogre, Nargacuga, and Plesioth.

Biological Adaptions
Tamamitsune's most unique adaption is its ability to produce bubbles. It is able to produce the bubbles by using special fluid secretions, produced from its own body along with water, and rubbing its hairs in the secretions. These stiff yet soft purple hairs are found on its chest, tail, legs, and sides. The hairs are used for sliding on the fluids it produces, spreading the fluids, and even using the fluids to produce more bubbles. Tamamitsune can also breath these bubbly fluids from its mouth. It is known to use the bubbles it produces both offensively and defensively in battle. It uses the bubbles to help it move faster and to make it more flexible in battle. In order to stop itself quickly while moving, Tamamitsune has special hook-like claws that allow it to stop sliding quickly to face threats and not leave itself open. Despite Tamamitsune's strange appearance, the fins it has actually act as receptors for detecting the presence of predators and prey coming through vibrations in the secretions. Like a snake, Tamamitsune's teeth are recurved to prevent prey from escaping easily. Its jaws are even designed like a snake to an extent, even being able to open its mouth wide and swallow some large prey.

Behavior
Tamamitsune are rather calm in nature until provoked. They prefer to be left alone resting near large bodies of water, while covered in their special secretions. Male Tamamitsune have large fins and are able to flash their fins red to show emotion to the female Tamamitsune.