Art by Delta

Petal Slug

These curious little critters inhabit the shallow reefs and various rock pools along the shore of the Southern Reach. They are best known for their color changing 'petals' lined along their backs, shifting between different shades of blue and gray. Some believe the colors can be associated with upcoming changes in the weather, while others believe it is an indication of mood. Either way, it is not uncommon to find them kept as pets, often owned by sailors.

No bigger than the palm of one’s hand, the petal slug is a fairly simple creature upon first glance, their bodies flat and wide. Two rhinophores - antennae like sensory organs - sit atop their head, just above their eyes. Lined along their backs are round, stacked cerata that resemble petals on a flower. While normally these 'petals' carry a translucent, faint teal color, able to shift in hue between various cool tones. Petal slugs are carnivorous, their diet consisting mostly of corals and anemones. They can partially digest their prey, leaving the stinging cells intact for the slugs to steal. The stingers are then stored along the edge of their cerata, making for a defense mechanism against their predators. The venom is not strong enough to kill, however it is advised to not handle these slugs without protection.

Social in nature, petal slugs tend to stay in groups of four to six, very rarely being found alone. As such, lone slugs are very prone to bouts of stress. Should they grow too overwhelmed, whether from isolation, or being brought too far from the Reach, their cerata may lose color permanently. It is advised that anyone who wishes to keep a petal slug as a pet ensure their enclosures are properly stocked to avoid any unnecessary stress. This not only includes keeping them company with other slugs and cohabitants, but granting them access to small corals and plenty of rocks to crawl and hide in.

Written by Delta