Corytheus

Physiolgy
Corytheus is a large nautilus/squid-like Mollusk. Its mantle is covered in a straight, conical, terracotta-colored shell that has a series of grooves spiraling around it. The rest of the body is colored purple taupe and is speckled with yellow while its eight arms and two elongated tentacles are green with grayish-green undersides. A pair of large eyes are located on its body, one on each side. Hidden beneath its body is a short yet sharp off-white beak.

Abilities
Corytheus uses its pointed drill-like shell to burrow through the earth. Its shell can also be used as a means of attack, capable of stabbing prey as it launches itself out of the ground. As it burrows underground dirt gets stuck to its tentacles, which it also uses to defend itself. If it becomes truly provoked it'll start spitting ink at its aggressor. It will also grab rocks with its tentacles and throw them at its target.

Taxonomy

 * Order: Nautilida
 * Superfamily: Nautilaceae
 * Family: Nautilidae
 * Species: Corytheus

Habitat Range
Corytheus inhabits a wide variety of areas. It prefers temperate environments with plenty of water but is occasionally seen in more mountainous areas. Its known habitats are the Ancestral Steppe, Deserted Island, Everwood, Flooded Forest, Heaven's Mount, Jungle, Jurassic Frontier, Marshlands, Ruined Pinnacle, Sunken Hollow, and the Verdant Hills.

Ecological Niche
Corytheus is carnivorous and uses its pointed shell and powerful tentacles to capture prey. It is far from picky and will eat anything it can catch. Its known prey items are Aptonoth, Kelbi, Slagthoth, Moofah, and Larinoth. It will even prey on lesser large monsters such as Bulldrome, Yian Kut-Ku, Daimyo Hermitaur, etc. However, it is possible for Corytheus to be preyed on by other predators.

Biological Adaptations
Corytheus possesses what is called an orthocone, an unusually long straight shell seen in certain nautiloid cephalopods. Corytheus's shell has a series of grooves that spiral around its, causing it to resemble a drill bit. This is fitting, as it uses its drill-like shell to burrow through the earth. As it is terrestrial, Corytheus has lungs and breathes through a funnel on its head. Opposite to the funnel is a siphon that expels sticky ink that deters predators. Corytheus often aims for a predator's eyes when shooting ink in order to blind whatever attacks it. Akin to a squid, Corytheus has large eyes, eight arms, and two tentacles. Each of its arms and tentacles bears suction cups that are used to capture prey. Captured prey is then brought to its sharp beak. Its beak contains a radula, which helps bring food to its esophagus to be swallowed. Its arms and tentacles tend to become covered in dirt as it tunnels through the air, which it uses as a form of offense and defense.

Behavior
Corytheus is an intelligent yet aggressive creature.