Ahuizotl

Height:  3 1/2 feet high when on hind legs

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Weight: 

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Habitat:  Azhuihotl and Xico-Nactec

Diet: Piscivorous

Nearest Relation: Monkeys

The etymological similarity of their name and the continent on which they are found has led some to believe that there is a linguistic link between the two. This is primarily speculation, however.  Preferring to scamper about on all fours, they stand about 3 1/2 feet high when on their hind legs. They are primarily arboreal but are also accomplished swimmer's, able to hold their breath for several minutes as they hunt for fish along the bottom of rivers. Their muzzles are pronounced, giving them a dog-like aspect, and the fact that they are built low to the ground with heavily padded hands and feet increased this effect. Most notable about their anatomy, however is the pressence of a prehensile tail which posseses a small, under-developed fifth hand at its end. This is primarily used to grab onto branches as the Ahuizotl swings about the trees, but it can also be used to effectively grab at passing prey (mostly fish) and, when cornered, it sometimes will pick up a sharp branch or stone to defend itself.

Rumors of the sinister nature of the Ahuizotl abound. They are credited with having near-human intelligence, with strangling humans and Azhua, and even with kidnapping unlucky creatures and forcing them to work as slaves in fabulous tree-top or underwater cities. These are almost entirely unfounded, however. The Ahuizotl is a fierce opponent when threatened, but unprovoked attacks are rare. However, because they tend to live deep in the jungle, very little about Ahuizotl society is known. They seem to hunt alone, but family structures of colonies may exist. A traveler stumbling into an elaborate Ahuizotl colony might, for instance, account for tales of their building cities with enslanved human and Azhua labor.

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