About

Daphnia beastmen are a very small fictional race of beastmen that live near water. 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 to around 10cm. Those sold in pet shops are usually between 10 and 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 dress them at their discretion, but they usually wear nothing. They have branched antennae on their heads and transparent carapaces on their backs. Some have a single carapace, while others have two joined like wings. These shimmer with faint rainbow colors 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 flatten when anxious. They are amphibious, capable of breathing both in water and air. In the wild, they live in small groups in shallow water among aquatic plants and moss. On land, they scurry about on short legs and occasionally make small hops. In water, they swim short distances by moving their limbs and antennae. They have a very strong sense of companionship. Lightly touching antennae serves as a greeting and a way to confirm safety. Close individuals 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 Daphnia beastmen 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 cries, facial expressions, body movements, and 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. Their diet consists of soft algae, aquatic plant shoots, and fine plant-based food. Some individuals show interest in fruit and sweet human snacks. Daphnia beastmen accustomed to humans become very attached. Once they recognize their owner, they respond to footsteps and voices, approaching them, climbing onto offered fingers, or sitting flat in the palm of a hand. Guest keeps two of them and enjoys their interactions. They are close friends and very talkative.