Tutani

(too-TAH-nee)

As the largest mammal in Subeta, the tutani has rightfully earned its moniker of "the gentle giant of the seas". This large but exceedingly friendly ocean dweller is quite the spectacle to behold, and it is quite popular for visitors to the coast to take a boat tour in hopes of spotting them in the wild. Luckily for tourists, tutanis are curious by nature and will willingly oblige to show themselves for photos.

The sheer size of the tutani is hard to believe until it is witnessed in person. Males range between 22-26 feet (6.7-8 m) and females are only slightly smaller at 18-22 feet (5.5-6.7 m). They can weigh up to 9 tons, though 4-6 tends to be average. Female tutanis have a long gestational period at two years - and a newborn tutani can weigh 350 pounds (158 kg)! Tutanis are slow to mature and will take nearly a decade to reach their full size. It can take up to another decade past that to reach sexual maturity. Tutanis travel in large family groups, known as flights, that can consist of parents, grandparents, cousins, and even just good friends. They form close bonds, and there is rarely fighting or competition within a flight. They are found in warm and cold waters alike, with the largest tutanis tending to live in the colder regions around the Arctic Frost. Some tutani flights are known to follow weather patterns and will travel along the sea with the seasons, sticking to the warmest waters year-round. Tutanis can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes before breaching the water's surface for a quick breath. Their strange wing-like appendages on their tails serve as rudders for additional steering. A tutani can make quite the sharp turn for being such a large animal!

A carnivorous creature, tutani prefer to feed on schools of large fish - though they will not turn down the unfortunate cybill or ontra that swims into their waters. Their curiosity can result in unintentional harm, so it is best to take a hands-off approach with them until a trusting bond has been formed. Some of Subeta's wealthy set up specialized bays to attract tutanis to their beach-side homes. Many tutani can be taught to accept food in this way, and they will quickly learn the schedule of their human "friends", showing up specifically at mealtimes. Oftentimes these tutanis will allow gentle petting from people and may even learn a trick or two for a treat! In ancient Ytivi culture, tutanis are regarded as descendants of gods and are treated with utmost reverence and respect. Because of this - and because of their large size and high intelligence - the capture of tutanis for sport or entertainment is nearly unheard of.