Creature:Snark

Snarks are shark-like creatures that live on the planet Alza 5. Tourists have called them Snarks because eyewitnesses to snark attacks claim that the creature snuck up on the victim.

Anatomy
Snarks are capable of blending in with the warm shallow waters they live in. They can also move on land, thanks to their four webbed feet. Snarks must stay near the water, due to the fact that their skin dries out after spending too long on land. Snarks have 4 rows of teeth, and like earth sharks, they will replace any teeth that fall out. Another trait Snarks share with earth sharks is the ability to detect electrical impulses. Snarks aren't as sensitive to these impulses, and their large brains are capable of reason.

Reproduction
Snarks often go through a mating process without the need for a specific mate. This tends to lead to mutations, and not all of the are good. A remarkable thing about snark reproduction is that the snark male is the one who gets pregnant. Many scientists are currently debating what happpens when the male gives birth, but it is widely accepted that it occurs similarly to the way the seahorse of earth gives birth.

Statistics

 * Gestation: 10 months
 * Number of young produced at one time: 7, however, there are reports of a snark producing 12 at one time
 * Pain: though it looks painful, Snarks actually have a high pain tolerance. this has been proven through the "traditional" method of probing.

Social Behavior
Snarks are solitary predators, and are only seen together during the mating season. snarks are very territorial, and won't let even another snark roam around in their territory. Snarks don't take care of their young, however, there are signs that this is changing. This change in behavior is pointing towards sapience, and the snark may become the next intelligent species on Alza 5.