For the first few decades their smaller size would make them vulnerable to carnivorous leviathans.

Reefbacks's lifespans likely extend through many centuries, should they survive their initial growth cycle. Nonetheless reefbacks will often be pursued by the faster, hungrier herbivores, and thus this leviathan species is a mobile microcosm worthy of years of study in itself. Similar in appearance to the algae glands of the gasopod, these organs on the reefback's underside serve some unknown purpose in its digestive system, and are capable of expelling small quantities of stomach enzymes into the surrounding waters.Īn array of different barnacle and plant species grow on the reefback's shell, thrusting their roots into ancient scars in the chitin, and taking advantage of their mobility to avoid predation. The reefback species has likely been able to grow far larger than other herbivores because anything large enough to break through its shell has long since gone extinct. This suggests an evolutionary path quite different from other organisms on 4546B, most of which are vertebrate in nature. Most of the lifeform's topside and some of its underside is protected by a thick, layered exoskeleton. Fortunately it feeds exclusively on plankton-like lifeforms in the water. This vast lifeform is in excess of 30m long and has been designated leviathan class. Copper ore is the most frequent resource to find. Currently, they only drop two resources: Silver Ore and Copper Ore. These barnacles are Harvesting Nodes and can be broken to reveal resources, similar to limestone, shale, or sandstone outcrops. Adult Reefbacks often have barnacles growing on their back. Some caution should be taken when approaching Reefbacks, as Tiger Plants often make their homes on their backs. These ecosystems include many types of flora and coral, along with other small fauna swimming in the vicinity of the gentle giants. When killed, their models and hitboxes completely disappear however the flora on their backs stay and fall towards the sea floor.Īdult Reefbacks can support mini-ecosystems on their back. When Reefbacks are exposed to damage, their tentacles will wave quickly and they will move slightly faster for a brief period. This suggests that these calls are a form of communication, as opposed to echolocation. They will only emit these calls if there are other Reefbacks nearby. The Reefback will frequently emit a range of echoing, low-frequency calls. They can often be found with adults in certain locations.

Juvenile Reefbacks are a quarter the size of an adult. It rarely adjusts its current altitude, unless bumped against obstacles. The Reefback drifts slowly and gently around the open waters of many biomes, mostly seen swimming in pods of more than two. These seem to be where the calls of the Reefback come from. In the back of the Reefback, there are giant tubes. Two siphon-esque structures that constantly expand and retract as the creature moves are located next to these bulbs. Although they could be the Leviathan's eyes, it remains unclear as the PDA states they serve an unknown function in the digestive system. The purpose of these is unknown, though the data bank entry notes a visual similarity to the Gasopod algae gland. On either side of its body are eight yellow bioluminescent bulbs. Beneath its carapace, it is dark green with light blue bioluminescent stripes on the sides and in the middle. The carapace has a slightly bright blue dotted pattern across towards the back. Attached to its main body are three long whip-like tentacles.Īn adult Reefback has patches of teal-colored coral and brown-colored grass growing across its carapace, befitting its name, while the younger ones lack this trait. The Reefback is massive in size, with most of the creature's body being comprised of a thick, dark-blue carapace with a rounded, triangular front, and a relatively small body concentrated in the posterior.

Subnautica leviathan tiddys