Cowstacean

Overview
The amphibious Cowstacean (Surfus turfus) is an omnivorous species, spending much of their time grazing off of coral and seaweed on the ocean floor, but can also be seen resting or laying eggs on beaches during breeding seasons.

Description
Cowstaceans are invertebrates covered in a thick, protective exoskeleton. Although some variations exist, most Cowstacean shells carry a primarily orange-red pigment with a number of large, brown spots. Cowstaceans have 4 pairs of walking legs, in addition to a frontal pair of large claws, used to crack open ocean mollusks or self defense.

Extra legs notwithstanding, Cowstaceans resemble cattle in terms of body shape, and have a similar internal organ structure, adapted to suit their aquatic needs.

Ecology
Cowstaceans can be found throughout most of the Meridatic Ocean, but large herds are most commonly found within the Bosphora Seas, near the equatorial line. During their breeding season, roughly throughout the months of March to July, Cowstaceans can be found laying their eggs on beaches around Aeristhane and Marchburgh.

Capable of breathing above and below water, Cowstaceans prefer to stay near the ocean floor, many choosing to live within sea caves and underwater rock structures.

Although fully capable of preying on and digesting large animals, Cowstaceans will not attack humans or other mammals unless threatened, and ignore fish entirely. The only meat known to be consumed by Cowstaceans are various types of shellfish and coral. Their diet is supplemented mainly by kelp, seaweeds and the occasional palm tree.

As Food
Recent years have seen an increase in Cowstacean-based dishes, with many Marchburgh chefs beginning to incorporate the large animal into the local cuisine. During the breeding seasons, beachside hunters are willing to brave the Cowstacean's powerful claws and thick armor for the large amounts of fibrous meat and the high nutritional value that comes with it.

Aeristhane, with larger amounts of arable land than Marchburgh, have stuck primarily to eating land mammals, rarely touching Cowstaceans as a primary food source. However, with many imperial nobles beginning to treat the Cowstacean as high-class cuisine, some opportunists have begun hunting the Cowstacean and trading them to the east.

Experiments in domesticating the strange animal have not necessarily led to failure, however many inspiring entrepreneurs have been stumped by the logistical difficulties of the armored, migrating sea-cattle.