Genus Arenaclaris

With eight species in this genus, Arenaclarids are characterised by having the longest necks of any members in the subfamily Longuderidae. Although their largest sizes reach 4.3-4.9m long (14-16ft long), Arenaclarid members mostly are small in length of the other dolo groups. Arenaclarids do, however, have the largest number of species than other dolos. Every arenaclarid reside in freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, swamps, etc. These members are not suited for saltwater lifestyles, except for the spotted dolo which can be found estuaries as well as a few bays in addition to rivers and lakes that lead to the open ocean.

Spotted Dolo (Arenacelaris solaris)

The spotted dolo is a smaller close relative to the common paddlesnout. They have a wide range of movement from inland lakes, long rivers that reach inland, bays, and gulfs. They commonly spend their time burying themselves in loose sediment if they aren't hunting or playing with one another. The average spotted dolo has spotted backs with the main colour being different depending on the genetic variations of where the individual is found geographically. Spotted dolos have specialized teeth that are tightly packed in the front, resembling the buck teeth of a rodent that have been observed aiding the animal with rooting in the sediment it resides in. Behaviourally, they are very curious animals with many often popping their heads out near boats or kayakers to observe the people operating them. There have been many reports of spotted dolos stealing the fish of fisherman, but it is illegal to harm or attach a spotted dolo, and therefore people must be weary of these animals when fishing. In terms of size, they average between 4.3-4.5m (14-14.9ft) long, making them the usual size of Arenaclarids. The males are often larger and more dominant and regularly engage in territorial disputes with one another.

Swampneck Dolo (Arenacelaris arbormimus)

The Swampneck has the strangest lifestyle and the second longest neck of the dolos with a total body length that typically reach lengths close to 4.7m (15.5ft) long. While their body is grayish blue, the neck is a rotten brown colour with mottling of green. This resembles floating logs for the swampy environments these dolos live in. They are found primarily in estuarine environments or swampy environments. Although adapted for both saltwater and freshwater, they are mostly found in freshwater. The swampneck occupies the role of ambush predator for any wandering animals that get too close to the water's edge. They are communal and will often spend time playing and singing together when they aren't hunting. You know you're surrounded by swampnecks when you hear the melodious sound of clicking and hissing. Swampnecks are regular rivals with crocodiles and alligators and the two will often engage in stealing one another's kills or territories. Swampnecks are one of the few pescanguids actually capable of moving on land thanks to their powerful pectoral muscles and slender front and back paddles. While they don't do this regularly, they will do it if they are trying to capture prey just out of their reach. Because of their regular competition with crocodiles and alligators, as well as their lifestyle of ambush hunting, they have developed notable osteoderms along the tops of their heads, necks, and back. Additionally, they possess a large sickle claw on their pectoral paddles that aide in both defense and digging in sediment.

Treesnake Dolo (Arenacelaris pseudoarbouri)

The treesnake dolo is a remarkable animal in terms of camouflage. Its neck isn't short, but not as long as the necks of the other arenaclarids. It makes up for that with the width and thickness of the neck. As well as the unique, roughly textured skin and the decorated head. The head is short and stubby much like the short faced dolo. And the head is adorned with large and floppy scales like crests along the head that resemble in appearance, the colour of leaves to a tree. Depending on the variation of treesnake depends on the appearance of the pseudo leaves. The appearance the treesnake gives off when the head and neck are poking from the water is that of a fallen tree. Herbivores will be drawn to this, possibly hoping for a chance to get normally inaccessible food, but when they get close enough, the treesnake will strike for the kill. Despite its uniqueness and fascinating behaviour, the treesnake is critically endangered. Deforestation has made it difficult for them to thrive and poaching has also greatly diminished populations. And while there are conservation efforts to try and save it, many conservationists fear that it is a lost cause seeing as how reproduction has proven difficult in captivity.

The Treesnake Dolo. A head closeup and full body

Loch Ness Dolo (The Water Ferret) (Arenacelaris wilsonea)

The loch ness dolo (the nessie) is the European sister to the swampneck, but is much more well known. What makes the loch ness dolo stand out is it its unusually mammalian appearance in its face. While whiskers and barbels aren't uncommon at all amongst pescanguids, the position and appearance overall of their sensory whiskers, coupled with its alread mammalian teeth and ear-like crests above its eyes, make the animal look uncannily like a mammal. And because of its already energetic and feisty behaviour, the loch ness dolo has earned its nickname of the water ferret. Reaching lengths of 3.5-4.3m (11.5-14ft) long, they are average in length for Arenaclarids. And while they are indeed cute and are inviting with their friendly demeanors, they are still unsafe and may pull you deep underwater or bite you too hard. Water ferrets are often the subject of many tourists in Loch Ness as they are often seen swimming in groups along the water's surface or wrestling one another, causing a cacophony of splashes and loud hisses and clicks. In Gaelic mythology, the water ferret has always been a symbol mischeivous behaviour and tricks. In some depicitions, there were tales of them making deals with humans in exchange for anything they desire, but there was always a catch with the wish. Even in modern Scottish culture, they are personified as playful tricksters and creatures of fable akin to that of a genie.

A few detailed depictions of the Water Ferret from various angles

Barrelchested Dolo (Arenaclaris panoploba)

The barrelchested dolo has an unusually broad and, like the name suggests, barrel-shaped torso with its chest cavity being large and housing equally large lungs. In comparison to the large body, the neck looks awkwardly thin and stumpy despite being a similar thickness and length as many of the other arenaclarid dolos. The size of the torso enables the dolo to hold oxygen for as long as 300 minutes. This impressive amount of time is a product of sexual selection as well as behaviour. Females prefer males with a larger torso, as it enables the males perform their mating dances for long periods of time. Often during making rituals, the male performer will do a few swimming tricks to exert himself, he is then required to do a series of "tasks" to prove his worth as a mate. The tasks include, dancing, hunting for fish, preparing an underwater nest, and organising rocks in specific patterns to the female's liking. If the male is able to perform these tasks properly. While they are pretty widespread across the ocean and found in many places, they are most commonly found in the Pacific Ocean. Some communities online have humourously compared it to the extinct Cotylorhynchus because of the small head and neck compared to the massive torsos.

The Barrelchested Dolo, various sketches of it

Indian River Dolo (Arenacelaris thescolo)

The indian river dolo is obviously named after the Indian River where it is commonly found. This dolo species has a long body compared to most of the members within its subfamily, being rivaled only by the Amazon Stalker. It is well suited for navigating the intricate waterways of its habitat. It has a gray-blue colouration that helps it blend with the surrounding waters as well as being a sign of good health and responsibility to females during mating season if the blue is the right shade and hue. One of the most striking features of the indian river dolo is the way it uses its long neck to search and probe the murky depths in search of prey. Equipped with specialized sensory organs, including pores for detecting movements beneath the sediment and long, long touch sensitive barbels on either side of the face to aid in its rooting behaviour, as well as sexual selection. With these adaptations, this dolo species is highly adept at locating its prey in normally hard-to-see areas. The indian river dolo plays a crucial role in the estuarine ecosystem, serving as both predator and prey. Feeding primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, it helps regulate populations of these species, preventing overpopulation and maintaining a healthy balance within the ecosystem.

The Indian River Dolo

A closeup of the Indian River Dolo's barbels

Amazon Stalker (Amazonian Dolo) (Arenacelaris stenodontosornis)

The amazon stalker is a formidable member of the Arenaclaris genus, uniquely adapted to thrive in the lush and vibrant ecosystem of the Amazon rainforest rivers. Named for its stealthy hunting tactics and its habitat in the Amazon basin, the amazon stalker has the longest neck of any dolo and, among the Arenaclarids, is the longest in length, typically reaching lengths of 4.9m (16ft) long. This long neck is perfectly suited for navigating the tight, bending waterways of the rainforest and it additionally allows the dolo to probe the tangled roots and submerged vegetation of the rainforest rivers in search of prey, while its keen senses detect the slightest movements in the water. Although it isn’t just a predator of the water, it is also a regular predator to land and even flying animals. If rooted properly within the sediment or between rocks, they can easily extend their incredibly long necks out of the water to reach birds roosting on nests or even the eggs or chicks within those nests. And it has been observed hiding its long neck underneath foliage when its body has sufficient footing in the water and it stalks on the ground with its long and powerful neck for small prey animals near the shores. It even has been observed mimicking the movements of a snake to attract predators of snakes to get an easy meal. With a mottled green and brown colouration, adorned with intricate patterns resembling the dappled light filtering through the dense canopy above, this makes it even easier for the animal to hunt and hide. Unfortunately, like many organisms native to rainforests, the increase of human activity within the rainforests as well as growing pollution within the areas it resides, the amazon stalker is one of the most endangered species in the world. And breeding programs within captivity prove unsuccessful, making population preservation very difficult.

The Amazon Stalker in full body, a headshot, and an Amazon Stalker breaching out of the water

Dolo Mole (Arenacelaris druckerii)

The dolo mole is an odd member of its genus. Found in Lake Eerie, this species is the smallest of the Arenaclarids with the largest being only 1.85m (6ft) in length with most of that length being their long, robust necks. The name "dolo mole" was given to them due to their common behaviour of gathering in massive numbers near the water's edge and rising their heads up and down in a similar vain to the popular game "Whac-A-Mole". This behaviour is common during tourist seasons of Lake Eerie, which coincides with the massive flocks of inland gulls that cover the shores in hopes getting food from humans. It seems as though this "moling" behaviour, as many scientists refer to it as, sprang up (pun intended) quite recently as an adaptation to human activity in the area. When underwater, the dolo moles will wait for flocks of gulls to swarm over the waters in which they reside. Once there, the dolos will then begin their moling until they hace received their fill. Typically after these large gatherings, the dolos will practically beach themselves in large gatherings to rest and relax. When the gulls are not as active, dolo moles spend their time feeding off fish and aquatic plants in the more shallow regions of the lake. Populations are relatively healthy and are maintained well both in part of conservational efforts, and by natural means.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse