Ophaniroth

Having completely forsaken filter-feeding, this large descendant of the Roth has split off from its ancestor, settling into a niche that transformed it into an active predator. Completely abandoning filter feeding in pursuit of devouring larger, schooling prey, they have lost their baits in exchange for developing a new method of feeding. Once a school of their prey is close enough, the ophaniroth will have its tentacles outstretched as it approaches the school, typically from below. When the time is right, it will snap its tentacles shut like a trap, catching several members of the victimized school. It will then tighten its tentacles from the tips up to push prey into its mouth. Once its food is devoured, it will open its tentacles again. When hunting Prickle Gills, it will stalk roths from somewhat far away as to not draw the attention of both the hunter and its target. Once the Prickle Gill is dead, the ophaniroth will close in and steal the kill right out of the clutches of the roth that killed it. Afterwards, it will retreat and eat its stolen prize in peace.

Despite its differences in size and behavior, it is similar to its ancestor in several different ways. Its siphons have grown longer and more flexible in order to let the ophaniroth jet in almost any direction. However, the most noticeable physical change from its ancestor is the shell, which has developed large eyespots. Unlike what most might think, these eyespots are not for defensive purposes and are instead used for mating. The ophaniroth displays sexual dimorphism, with males typically having larger and fewer eyespots than the females. The ophaniroth also developed a complex mating ritual where the males slowly spin like pinwheels with their arms outstretched. When reproducing, females will typically choose males with more choreographed dances. Once ready, male and female will release eggs and sperm into the water, with the male typically aiming his sperm at the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae are 10 mm long and grow to full size within 8 years and becoming sexually mature in 6 years.