New Species Discoverd
Thanator
The Thanator meaning "dry mouth bringer of fear" is a creature that lives on Pandora. Although many regions of the moon have yet to be explored, xenobiologists currently believe that it may be the apex land predator on Pandora. Reminiscent of a Terran panther, this enormous, powerful animal is unique in its ability to lord over its territory and strike fear into the largest and fiercest of Pandora's creatures. Even the Na'vi, who are renowned for their courage, are shaken by the approach of the creature.
Anatomy
Its musculature is pronounced and impressive, providing power for protracted runs and leaps. The speed of its neck and jaw strike is swift. In addition to conventional ripping and tearing, the Thanator can also deliver a lethal blow from its armored tail. The Thanator's senses are so highly developed that, depending on atmospheric conditions, it can detect prey up to thirteen kilometers away.
The Thanator has ten sensory quills that sprout from sections of armor plating that encircle the rear of its skull. The function of the quills is still a mystery, but it has been hypothesized that they may be tied to an internal mechanism of prey location. The quills also flare up and produce a more menacing appearance.
It also has an armored neck and back, a massive distensible jaw, and twenty-three centimeter long sharp teeth. The Thanator has burnished black skin. Its ten external sensory quills are colored bright red and yellow. The upper lip folds back for maximum tooth extension. The Thanator is approximately 20 feet (6 meters) long. It has six long legs and two sets of opercula on each side of its neck.
Species Information
HomePlanet
Pandora
Na'vi Name Palulukan - dry mouth bringer of fear
Taxonomy
Thanatora ferox - fierce thanator
Skin
Black/purple
Height
2.5 meters
Length
5.6 meters.
Hunting habits
The Thanator appears to hunt alone and normally does not stray outside of its territory, which is believed to be roughly 300 square kilometers. It appears to hunt mainly at night, although it seems to make exceptions if hungry enough such as going yolo mode
Notes
The Thanator is the most fearsome of all Pandoran land predators.
Wide, armored tail can slam prey or defend against other Thanators.
Cartilaginous plates around its neck that can flare, possibly as a threat display but more likely as an echolocation or other sensory pinpointing system.
The roar of the Thanator in Avatar is very similar to the T. Rex in the film Jurassic Park.
The comparison between the Thanator and T. Rex seems to be a recurring theme: in Avatar: The Game, another character says it's "about as cuddly as a T. Rex."