While swinging from tree to tree with prehensile tail is a good proposition, what about a kind of glider system of a squirrel for our m. hosgenta to glide between trees or within short distances in the environment?

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It must have six legs, so there are spares if some are damaged.

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I'd put the brain somewhere inside the main body cavity not out on a spindly extremity

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It should be white with black stripes, like aquatic zebras.

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Oh c'mon HomoB, we already agreed on Mike Alexander's view on red and blue! maybe the tail could be white and black? I agree on the spare limbs theory, but how will that place our Hosgentas - upright on two foot or down on all six? Also remember they have sort-of-wings for short navigation. Since they are are also underwater masters, maybe the middle two limbs could be flippers? Whatsay?

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OK, they can be flippers, provided they can spin on their axles.

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Regulations require spinning flippers to have soft edges in case of impact with another surface. I don't believe axle-based spinning is exempt.

Well how about rotating flippers with breakaway scales then?

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This creature should be omnivorous, and it should be able to do photosynthesis if necessary

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And it should be able to survive on energy from thermal vents on the ocean floor if no sunlight or food is available.

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The ability to change its bouyancy from positive to negative, and thus "fly" underwater on those flippers is paramount.

Of course, the creature should be able to survive long periods of drought therefore it must be able to curl up in a mud ball when there is not enough water

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