Dorphyx

Yet another chimera drawn on the stream! I made this for my Patrons. Thank you so much for making this possible! The Dorphyx is a Dolphin x Oryx Chimera. It's name was voted on by the followers of my stream. Like the other chimeras the animals that I combined for the design were chosen by the patrons. All Chimeras that I make are original characters.

Voted on: April 16
Requested by: Brigand, itszeenz, xanderkee and yarnfang

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Basic Information

Behavior:
The Dorphyx is a very social animal who primarily lives in the ocean. Dorphyx usually live in groups of 10 to 40 members and hunt with this group. Even though their eyes are positioned to the sides of the head Dorphyx are excellent hunters as they use a sonar like method to locate and measure the distance between them and their prey. The relatively large ears of the Dorphyx are usually 'closed' when underwater and serve as a way to pick up the sonars vibrations but also hear when above water. Even though Dorphyx are primarily found in the water they can seek safety on land from large aquatic predators. The Dorphyx occasionally sleeps on land but when in the water they are capable of letting one half of the brain rest while the other stays alert. This prevents them from being caught by predators. They can use their front fins to 'crawl.' Dorphyx usually swim 6 to 11 km/h but can reach 32 km/h in short bursts. Dorphyx use their horns and hard skull to defend themselves when fleeing is no option. Males also use them to compete with other males for the right to mate. While underwater the Dorphyx closes it's nose and only opens it when it's head is above the water to breath.


Habitat:
Dorphyx are aquatic animals who can be found in Tropical to temperate oceans. When close to land they can be found on shores occasionally.

Diet:
The small but sharp teeth of the Dorphyx are primarily used to catch small aquatic animals. In some cases they also prey on small flying creatures who live at the surface of the water. The hunting on these creatures is often a spectacular scene where multiple Dorphyx jump out of the water to catch their prey midair. They usually swallow their prey whole.

Appearance and maintenance:

The Dorphyx have a very recognizable appearance with a relatively big chest and horns on both males and females. The Dorphyx are brownish-gray to tan in color with a light color at the end of the front fins and the chest. The face typically has a black with white pattern. This pattern is unique to all Dorphyx. The back fin and tail fins are usually black. Adults can become 2,5 to 4,2 meters long and can weigh up to 700 kilograms.

Reproduction and lifespan:

Dorphyx can be born all year but females only reproduce every 3 to 5 years. The gestation period takes 11 to 13 months. After that the calf suckles for at least 18 months but can do this up to 3 years. When born a calf is usually around 1 meter long. Both males and females are sexually mature around the age of 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of the Dorphyx is 25 years although multiple Dorphyx are known to have reached 40 years.