Genus Thantocharchara

Both members of this genus possess large masses atop their heads that resemble an enlarged braincase, but are actually a lump of thick fat with the purpose not entirely clear but speculated to store nutrients during times that food is difficult to find, especially in the colder regions of the oceans in which they reside. In addition to the head, the back also possesses a sloping hump. The sloping humps give off the appearance of them looking like hunchbacks. Behaviour-wise, they are quite solitary and can be difficult to locate due to their solitary lifestyles and if approached, they may be liable to act aggressive.

Bumphead Tiko (Thanatocharchara repono)

These animals are primarily solitary with only one or two individuals occasionally seen together. The Bumphead was believed to just be a cryptid or a myth for the longest time with only eyewitness accounts of the animal, but on June 12, 1853, well known French/American explorer, Paul Du Chaillu brought the remains of a once living specimen he had found while on an expedition through the North Atlantic ocean. Originally thought to be some type of tiko with a genetic deformity, it was later recognised as a new species. Nowadays, the bumphead is well known and even beloved, especially in modern internet culture. The unusually large bump on its head and back coupled with its mangled teeth, it has become a sort of morbid curiosity beloved by many, with many plushes and figurines selling very well. The large bump sports vibrant displays of reds, pruples, and blue with flecks of pink and the larger and more bulbous the bumps, the more likely that male is to win over a female. Amongst the endangered populations of tikos, the bumphead has managed a healthy and stable global population.

Pigmy Tiko (Thanatocharchara apatomicro)

The Pigmy Tiko is the smallest tiko with their average sizes between 2.5- 3m (8-9.8ft). Their small size make them common prey for larger tikos and dolos, but they are still able to deliver a nasty bite. They are opportunistic omnivores, often eating anything they can find. Pigmys often travel in groups of four to six individuals in the more tropical regions of remote islands closer to the equator. Interestingly, their modified bumps are thick and tough. Unlike the other memebrs of Thanatocharachara, the bumps of pigmys are thick with primarily muscle, and they use these craniums to bump one another when their heads are above the water. At first thought to be a behaviour exhibited during mating displays, it is now well known that this is a generalistic behavious amongst members of a fleet as a sign of affection and it improves social bonds amongst each individual. Pigmys avoid humans and human activity, likely due to the dangers humans represent to their populations with historical recordds dating back to the 1800s of sailors regularly hunting them for their muscled bumps. Although modern populations are considerably healthy, pigmys are now under threat of increased oceanic pollution which the pigmy tiko tend to eat.

Azure Tiko (Thanatocharchara dakoti)

The azure tiko is well recognized by its surprisingly light blue colour, different from the grayish blue colours seen in other pescanguids. Its patterning ranges in intensity, but the same blotches of black and dark red. The dark red patterns are most notable on the tips of the flippers, in freckle-like patterns along the face and muzzle in wavy patterns along the back. Typically, both male and female azure tikos have black lipstick patterns on the end of the muzzles. Although they appear striking and stunning, they are much more aggressive in behaviour towards humans in particular. Even though historical records from Spain and African shores suggest they weren’t always aggressive to humans, modern theories and guesses believe this change in behaviour to be attributed to azure tikos feeling their territory threatened by humans who have consistently proven to be a danger to azure tikos and their pods. Many people scoff at this explanation and instead attribute it to the azure tikos being just as intelligent as the leviathan hemot and the arctic tiko. They believe the azure tikos find humans barbaric and aggressive, and feel it necessary to attack them on sight to prevent further danger. This of course implies sapience and a human level intelligence, which brings up several philosophical, moral, political, and religious debates on the topic of them being sapient. Much like the discussions with arctic tikos and leviathan hemots.

Genus Thantocharchara

Bumphead Tiko (Thanatocharchara repono)

The Bumphead Tiko

Pigmy Tiko (Thanatocharchara apatomicro)

The Pigmy Tiko. A head closeup and full body

Azure Tiko (Thanatocharchara dakoti)

The Azure Tiko. A head closeup and full body