Family of the Week: The Carnivorous Sinecrus

The family Ephodozoidae is a small group of sinecrus, generally small in size. They are equipped with long, curved, sharp claws and sharp, serrated teeth. Their lifestyle is a lot like those of crocodiles. They stay submerged in the water until it is about time for them to pounce. Like crocodiles, they wait for an animal to come to the edge of the river to drink. At which time, these animals suddenly lunge out of the water, grabbing their victim usually by the head and neck, and then drag them under the water. The prey either dies by the crushing power of these animals' jaws, or they simply drown. Like crocodiles, these animals tear off large chunks of their prey and swollow it whole. This family of sinecrus usually inhabits rivers, estuaries and often lagoons. Like most animals that live near saltwater areas, these animals are capable of drinking seawater with no problems. The forelegs are very well developed, but the rear legs have been completely reduced to flippers. It is the long, flat tail however that propells the animals through the water. The eyes are large and placed on top of their heads. The nostrils are also placed on top of the muzzle. This helps minimize exposure. There are no external ears. When traveling on land, they use their forelegs to pull themselves. These sinecrus are meat-eaters, and their prey often consists of ungulates and cryptopters. The size of the species in this family range from 3 feet long to about 5 feet long, with the tail being as long as the head and body. These are mostly diurnal animals.

The most land-based species is Ephodozous. This is a rather small species that prefers to inhabit rivers, and often captures their prey while on land, where it then proceeds to drag their prey into the water. Despite their size, they are no less powerful animals. They can drag under a 200-pound struggling cryptopter easily. The smallest species in this family is Selatopoocetes, which is a lot more aquatic, and every bit as powerful.

The largest species in this family is Agriopetes. This is a relatively large animal that prefers to inhabit lagoons, usually in small groups. They also hunt larger prey, and even include fish in their diet. This species spends a lot less time traveling on land, and usually prefer the safety of the water.

Though these animals are themselves voracious carnivores, they also have their own predators to contend with. Small animals like Selatopoocetes, are sometimes preyed upon by predatory bats like Cercomoloch. Larger species like Agriopetes, may be taken sometimes by sharks, or preyed upon by other members of their clan.