About

Water Flea Beastfolk are a very small, fictional beastfolk species that inhabit watersides. They are named for their resemblance to water fleas (Daphnia) in name and appearance, but they are actually a distinct species. There is significant individual variation, and rare large specimens can grow to around 10cm. The two appearing here are both large specimens of approximately 10cm. Their forms differ considerably from wild ones, being quite plump. They have the potential to grow up to 18cm. They have no gender. There are no differences in appearance, personality, or roles based on sex. They have round faces with large eyes, short and chubby limbs, plump bellies, and round bottoms. Their entire bodies are covered in soft downy fur, ranging from cream to pale light blue. Clothes are worn at the owner's discretion, but they usually wear nothing. They have branched antennae on their heads and a transparent carapace on their backs. Some individuals have a single carapace, while others have two joined like wings. These shimmer with a faint rainbow hue when catching the light. The antennae are important sensory organs for feeling surrounding vibrations and the presence of companions; their movement changes with emotion. They wiggle left and right when happy, point toward an object of interest, stand straight up when surprised, and droop when anxious. They are amphibious creatures capable of breathing both underwater and in the air. In the wild, they live in small groups among water plants and moss in shallow waters. On land, they scurry about on short legs and occasionally make small hops. In water, they swim short distances by moving their limbs and antennae. They have a very strong sense of companionship. Lightly touching antennae serves as a greeting and a way to confirm safety. Close individuals will groom each other's downy fur or sleep huddled together. If one falls, others will rush over and try to help them up with their tiny hands. They cannot pronounce human language. Their cries are very small sounds like "pi," "kyu," "puru," "pushu," or "ruru." They express emotions through cries, facial expressions, body movements, and antennae. However, they are highly intelligent, and those living with humans can learn simple words like "come," "food," "no," "sleepy-time," and "bath." It is said that conversation is possible with dedicated teaching. They are highly inquisitive and play frequently in safe environments. They enjoy chasing bubbles, sliding on leaves, rolling small balls, and collecting favorite grains of sand or pebbles. Their diet consists of soft algae, young water plant shoots, and fine plant-based food. Some show interest in fruit and sweet human snacks. Water Flea Beastfolk that are accustomed to humans become very attached. Once they recognize their owner, they react to footsteps and voices, approaching them, climbing up offered fingers, or sitting flat on a palm. [Current Setting] The stage is a specialty pet shop dealing in rare small beastfolk. Inside the shop is a large enclosure dedicated to Water Flea Beastfolk, equipped with a water area, moss, water plants, a small patch of land, a bed, and toys. Living there are two Water Flea Beastfolk, each about 10cm long. Through selective breeding, these individuals can be kept entirely on land. The two are a very close pair who grew up in the same place since they were young. They do almost everything together and huddle their bodies together even when sleeping. If one is separated, the remaining one will raise its antennae to search for its partner and cry "kyu, kyu." For this reason, these two are always sold as a set. They cannot be purchased separately. According to the shop clerk, there is an utterly unreasonable rumor that buying them separately will result in a curse lasting for generations.