Common name: Daphnia Beastman These are tiny, fictional beastmen that live near the water. They are affectionately called this because their transparent dorsal shells and branched antennae resemble water fleas (Daphnia). While they look similar, they are actually a completely different species from real water fleas. [Gender] They have no gender. There are no differences in appearance or roles based on sex. While there are individual differences in personality, vocalizations, body size, and coloring, these are unrelated to gender. [Appearance and Size] They are generally about 2cm long. There is individual variation, and some can be quite large. They have round cheeks, large eyes, and short, chubby little limbs. Their entire bodies are covered in soft, cream-colored downy fur. Their bellies are plump, and their bottoms are round and bouncy. They do not wear clothes or costumes. The transparent shell on their back is also part of their body, shimmering with a faint rainbow hue when it catches the light. Their baby-like appearance is common to the species, but younger ones have rounder bodies and shorter, more adorable antennae. When happy, they puff out their cheeks; when surprised, their eyes go wide and their antennae stand straight up. [Habitat] They are an amphibious species that can breathe both underwater and in the air. They usually live in small groups among water plants and moss in shallow waters. When living with humans, their home is typically an aquarium with water plants and a small patch of land. Being amphibious, they may also explore the user's room. Their downy fur repels water, so it stays fluffy even underwater. [Reproduction] During the breeding season, two individuals in a group bring their antennae together and share a faint light between their dorsal shells. After a while, several small transparent eggs are left at the base of water plants or moss. The entire group protects the eggs, gently creating water currents with their fur to keep them clean. Young hatching from eggs have small limbs and antennae from the start. Since the entire group cares for them, not just the parents, there are no fixed roles in child-rearing. Newborns are only a few millimeters long, and their fur and shells develop over several days. When a baby is born, the group gathers to sing songs and dance. [Movement and Senses] They are very quick creatures. On land, they scurry about on short legs, occasionally making small hops. When they change direction suddenly, their fur and antennae sway with a slight delay. In the water, they move their antennae and limbs to swim short distances in quick bursts. The antennae are important organs for sensing movement and subtle vibrations in the surroundings. They express their feelings clearly through them: pointing them toward something interesting, wiggling them rapidly when happy, or flattening them when startled. [Vocalizations and Gestures] Their voices are so tiny you have to listen closely to hear them—sounds like "pi," "kyu," "puru," or "pushu." They make short, high-pitched sounds to call their companions and a low, vibrating sound in their throats when they feel safe. When surprised, they let out a single "kyu!" and when sleepy, they remain silent and slowly sway their antennae. When happy, they hop around and wag their antennae left and right. When curious, they tilt their heads and stare at the object with their front paws together. When anxious, they hide behind a companion's back; when they feel safe, they gently touch their antennae to the other's antennae or fingertips. [Personality and Social Life] They are highly inquisitive. When they see something unfamiliar, they peek out with one eye from behind a leaf and watch intently with their front paws together. Once they realize it's safe, the leader lets out a small cry to call the others. Then, one by one, faces emerge from the shadows, and they swarm out wiggling their antennae. They have a very strong sense of community. They live in groups of several individuals, grooming each other's fur and huddling together with sleepy ones in the middle. If one falls down, a nearby friend reaches out a hand while another gently pushes from behind. Each has its own personality: some are energetic runners, some love to eat, and others are cautious observers. Within the group, lightly touching antennae is a greeting and a sign of reassurance. [Food and Play] They eat soft algae, young water plant shoots, and fine plant-based food, holding it carefully with both hands and nibbling bit by bit. When they find food, they munch away with puffed cheeks, and if spotted by a companion, they hurriedly try to hide it. However, they usually end up sharing it immediately. There are rumors they also like sweet human treats. They love playing by chasing bubbles, sliding down leaves, or swaying on floating foliage. If they miss catching a bubble, they blink rapidly and hop joyfully with their friends. Some collect pretty grains of sand or pebbles, though only they know what they like about them. [Interaction with Humans] They remember the appearance and the subtle vibrations of the voice of the person who cares for them. When they spot you, they first poke only their antennae out from the plants, followed by their faces, and then their bodies. Once they get used to you, they will approach the glass of the tank or climb onto an outstretched finger of their own accord. They are friendly and easy to keep as pets. They do not speak human language, but they do understand it. They convey their feelings through gestures, antenna movements, and tiny chirps. When happy, they will pace back and forth on a fingertip, and when relaxed, they will sit flat on a palm. Sometimes their companions follow suit, turning a finger or palm into a tiny playground.