Scaphalos

Scaphalos is a Leviathan.

Physiology
This large Leviathan sports a dark brown body with a dorsal sail similar to that of a Spinosaurus or a Dimetrodon. Its sail is composed of elongated neural spines of the vertebrae with a red leathery membrane stretched between the spines. It has a narrow head, its upper jaw tapering to a sharp point that extends well beyond its mouth. A red crest is located on the top of its head, appearing identical to its dorsal sail. Thin black stripes span the length of its underside and its brown legs transition to black webbed feet. Its tail ends in two pair of bony hooks. One pair points towards its body, forming a crescent-shape, and the other pair points away from its body, forming a V-shape.

Abilities
Scaphalos is able to spit a highly flammable oily substance that eventually detonates once it comes into contact with air. Its pointed snout also serves as a potent weapon, as it can be used to stab enemies.

Taxonomy

 * Order: Leviathan
 * Suborder: Argonaut Wyvern
 * Infraorder: Seafaring Wyvern
 * Family: Scaphalos

Habitat Range
Due to its nomadic nature, Scaphalos has been reported in a wide variety of habitats. Its known habitats consist of the Desert, Deserted Island, Flooded Forest, Frozen Seaway, Jungle, Misty Peaks, Primal Forest, Ruined Pinnacle, and the Tundra. It has also been seen in the New World, the Ancient Forest to be specific. Scaphalos is more common in the Old World than it is in the New World.

Ecological Niche
Scaphalos has a very broad diet, but it has a preference for aquatic prey such as fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, and smaller Leviathans such as Epioth and Ludroth. Since it spends most of its time in water, it competes with other aquatic predators such as Royal Ludroth, Gobul, Plesioth, Green Plesioth, and Lagiacrus.

Biological Adaptations
Scaphalos's most distinguishing feature is its impressive dorsal sail. It is believed that Scaphalos uses this sail for navigation. Scaphalos swims near the surface, its dorsal sail poking out of the water. Wind hits the sail, which is most likely Scaphalos knows where to go. Others believe that the sail is also used for thermoregulation. Scaphalos is able to spit a highly flammable oily substance that eventually detonates once it comes into contact with air. This oil is a residue of the diet created by digestion of prey items such as krill, squid, copepods and fish.

Behavior
Scaphalos is usually a placid creature to the point it will allow smaller creatures such as birds and Wingdrakes to roost on its back. However, when confronted by a predator it will become aggressive and attack relentlessly with its pointed snout and explosive stomach oil.

Etymology
Scaphalos is derived from the Greek word σκάφος skáfos (boat).

Funeibisu is a combination of 船 fune (ship) and the Latin word navis (also means ship).