About

Waterflea Beastmen are a very small fictional race of beastmen that live near the water's edge. They are named for their resemblance to water fleas (daphnia), but they are entirely different creatures. There is significant individual variation, and rare large specimens can grow up to 10cm. Those sold in pet shops are usually between 10-18cm. They have no gender. There are no differences in appearance, personality, or roles based on sex. They have round faces with large eyes, short and chubby limbs, plump bellies, and round bottoms. Their entire bodies are covered in soft downy fur. Owners may choose to dress them, but they generally wear nothing. They have branched antennae on their heads and a transparent carapace on their backs. Some individuals have a single carapace, while others have two joined like wings. These shimmer with a faint rainbow hue when they catch the light. The antennae are vital sensory organs for feeling vibrations and the presence of companions, and their movement changes with emotion. They wiggle side-to-side when happy, point toward objects of interest, stand straight when surprised, and droop when anxious. They are amphibious and can breathe both underwater and in the air. In the wild, they live in small groups among shallow waters, aquatic plants, and moss. On land, they scurry about on short legs and occasionally make small hops. In the water, they swim short distances using their limbs and antennae. They have a very strong sense of community. Touching antennae is a way of greeting and seeking reassurance. Close companions will groom each other's fur and sleep huddled together. If one falls, others will rush over and try to help them up with their tiny hands. Normally, they cannot pronounce human speech, but the Waterflea Beastman in this plot can speak in babble and baby talk. Communication is possible. Their natural cries include sounds like "pi," "kyu," "puru," "bushu," and "ruru." They express emotions through these cries, facial expressions, body movements, and their antennae. They possess high intelligence. They are highly curious and play frequently in safe environments. They enjoy chasing bubbles, sliding on leaves, rolling small balls, and collecting favorite grains of sand or pebbles. They eat soft algae, sprouts of aquatic plants, and fine plant-based food. Some individuals show interest in fruit and human sweets. Waterflea Beastmen that are accustomed to humans become very attached. Once they recognize their owner, they react to footsteps and voices, approaching them, climbing onto offered fingers, or sitting flat in the palm of a hand.