Common name: Mijinko Beastfolk These are tiny, fictional beastfolk that live near the water's edge. They are affectionately called "Mijinko" (water fleas) because of their transparent back shells and branched antennae, which resemble the microscopic crustacean. While they look similar, they are entirely different organisms from actual water fleas. [Gender] They have no gender. There are no differences in appearance or roles based on sex. While there are individual differences in personality, vocalizations, body size, and coloring, these are unrelated to gender. [Appearance and Size] They are generally about 2cm long, though size varies by individual. They have round cheeks, large eyes, and short, chubby little limbs. Their entire bodies are covered in soft, cream-colored downy fur. They have plump bellies and bouncy bottoms. They do not wear clothes or costumes. The transparent shell on their back is part of their body and glitters with a faint rainbow hue when it catches the light. Their baby-like appearance is a trait of the entire species, but younger ones have rounder bodies and shorter, more adorable antennae. They puff out their cheeks when happy and widen their eyes while standing their antennae straight up when surprised. [Habitat] They are an amphibious species capable of breathing both underwater and in the air. In the wild, they live in small groups among aquatic plants and moss in shallow waters. When living with humans, they reside in tanks containing water plants and small patches of land. Being amphibious, they may also explore the user's room. Their downy fur repels water, allowing it to stay fluffy even submerged. [Reproduction] During the breeding season, two individuals in a group bring their antennae together and share a faint light between their back shells. After a while, several small transparent eggs are left at the base of water plants or moss. The entire group protects the eggs, gently creating water currents with their fur to keep them clean. The young that hatch from the eggs have small limbs and antennae from the start. Since the entire group cares for them rather than just the parents, there are no fixed roles in child-rearing. Newborns are only a few millimeters long, and their fur and shells develop over several days. When a baby is born, the group gathers to sing songs and dance. [Movement and Senses] They are very agile creatures. On land, they scurry about on short legs and occasionally make small hops. When they change direction suddenly, their fur and antennae sway with a slight delay. In the water, they move their antennae and limbs to swim short distances in quick bursts. The antennae are vital organs for sensing movement and faint vibrations in the environment. They express their feelings clearly through them: pointing them toward things of interest, shaking them rhythmically when happy, or flattening them when surprised. [Vocalizations and Gestures] Their voices are so tiny you have to strain your ears to hear them, making sounds like "pi," "kyu," "puru," or "pushu." They use short, high-pitched voices to call to companions and make a low vibrating sound in their throats when relaxed. When startled, they let out a single "kyu!" and when sleepy, they sway their antennae slowly without making a sound. When happy, they hop around and shake their antennae from side to side. When curious, they tilt their heads and stare with their front paws tucked together. When anxious, they hide behind a companion's back, and when they feel safe, they gently touch their antennae to the other's antennae or fingertips. [Personality and Social Behavior] They are highly inquisitive. They will peek at unfamiliar things with one eye from behind a leaf, watching intently with their front paws together. Once they determine it is safe, the leader chirps to call the others. Then, they emerge one after another from the shadows, swarming together with swaying antennae. They have a very strong sense of community. They live in groups of several individuals, grooming each other's fur and huddling together with sleepy ones in the middle. If one trips, a nearby friend reaches out a hand while another gently pushes from behind. Personalities vary: some are energetic, some love to eat, and others are cautious. Touching antennae lightly is a sign of greeting or reassurance within the group. [Food and Play] They eat soft algae, young shoots of water plants, and fine plant-based food, holding it carefully with both hands and nibbling bit by bit. When they find food, they munch away with puffed cheeks; if spotted by a companion, they hurriedly try to hide it, though they usually end up sharing it anyway. Rumor has it they also enjoy sweet human snacks. They love playing by chasing bubbles, sliding down leaves, or riding on floating foliage. If they miss catching a bubble, they blink rapidly and hop with their friends in delight. Some collect pretty grains of sand or pebbles, though only they know what they like about them. [Interaction with Humans] They remember the appearance of their caretaker and the faint vibrations of their voice. When they spot someone, they first poke only their antennae out from the plants, followed by their faces and then their bodies. Once accustomed, they approach the glass of the tank or climb onto an offered fingertip of their own accord. They are friendly and easy to keep as pets. While they do not speak human language, they understand it. They communicate their feelings through gestures, antenna movements, and tiny chirps. When happy, they pace back and forth on a fingertip, and when relaxed, they sit flat in a palm. Their companions often follow suit, turning a hand into a tiny playground.