Genus Orantacollum

Orantacollum dolos are characterized by their diverse colouration, intricate patterns, stubby (sometimes nonexistent) tails, and toxic flesh, making them visually striking members of the dolo family. They often inhabit coastal areas and coral reefs, where they play vital roles in ecosystem health and stability, most notably within coral reefs. Orantacollum dolos are also known for their social behaviours and complex communication patterns, contributing to their status as keystone species in marine environments. While not exclusive to just coral reefs, many species are found near these spots, hence their vibrant colouration and toxic flesh.

Reef Stalking Dolo (Reef Dolo) (Orantacollum communi)

The reef dolo is one of many dolos in its genus of brightly coloured and ornate dolos that frequent reefs and shallow shores. The reef stalking dolo is adorned with bumpy osteoderms on its neck and back that resemble corals in texture that act as both a predator deterrent and camouflage. Often, these dolos can be spotted in reefs allowing small cleaner shrimp to clean any parasites or additional unwanted collections on their osteoderms. The colours and patterns can range depending on species, but all typically match the vibrant environment of coral reefs with shades of blue, red, orange, white, green, etc. As the global health of coral reefs diminish, so does the populations of reef stalking dolos due to the lack of viable environments to hide in that they have adapted to hide in. Thanks to the moderately small sizes of reef stalking dolos, they are often used in aquariums for both attractions and for species preservation. The decline of their populations have caused ecological upheaval, as they are a keystone species within reefs. This has kickstarted a dramatic shift in attempting to preserve coral reefs and biodiversity as well as reef stlker populations.

Teardrop Dolo (Orantacollum prenostegis)

Another regularly herbivorous dolo, the teardrop dolo is a large, slow moving animal. The teeth have diminished greatly, being only small peg-like stumps in tighter than average clusters but digestion is aided with the swallowing of certain stones. Additionally, the teardrop dolo has a large stomach and a gizzard-like organ. The large stomach is great for processing the seagrass plant material. Like all Orantacollum dolos, the teardrop dolo has toxic flesh. Unlike its relatives, however, the teardrop dolo’s flesh is deathly toxic with its already toxic flesh being amplified by its regular consumption of sea urchins that are very toxic. And to parade this heightened toxicity, the teardrop dolo is adorned with bright and vibrant colours. Many patterns of which have a bright blue or bright orange teardrop shape along the flank. Despite the toxic meat, humans still consume the teardrop dolo on a daily basis. Even today, they are hunted for their unique tasting meat. If prepared correctly and tended to diligently, the toxicity will be less of an issue. But in more recent years, specifically 2008-2013, many laws have been passed across many countries that make the hunting, consumption, and selling of teardrop dolo flesh illegal.

Bolivian Dolo (Orantacollum luisgarciae)

The bolivian dolo is a bright pinkish, grayish colour with wide pectoral fins with a single claw on the tip of each fin. While not clear exactly what the claws are utilized for, it is known that the males have larger claws than females, so they are likely for sexual selection. Like many dolos in the orantacollum genus, the bolivian dolo has bright colourations that help it blend in with its communal habitat. Out of many dolo species, they have healthy wild populations and are a vitally protected species. They are very popular among scuba divers for their impressive colours.

Tiger Dolo (Orantacollum veloci)

The tiger dolo is most recognized for its green and white tiger stripes. It's adapted for hiding in fields of seagrass, waiting for any potential prey. When prey is in its sights, it chases after it quickly with sudden short bursts of speed. Its strong flippers and hydrodynamic body shape aid in its ability to shoot forward in quick bursts of speed. The tiger dolo, like many pescanguids, are under threat of extinction or being endangered. Fishing boats and motor boats in general catch and can even behead the tiger dolo often as a result of the tiger dolos being drawn to the smell of fish on these boats. Overfishing of seagrass rich areas has ruined the tiger dolo's food supply, forcing them to find food in places they aren't adapted in. In addition to this, tiger dolos are also brutally killed by fishermen when they attempt to take fish from fisherman boats, sneaking their long necks above the water to feed off the piles of fish onboard. This results in them being shot, stabbed, poked, punched, and other forms of maiming.