Arachyu

The Arachyu shares a resemblance to the mantis shrimp, decapod crustaceans like the pistol shrimp, and lobsters. Its body consists of distinct segments: an ovoid-like, unfused cephalon (head) housing the jaw, two pairs of antennae (one above and one below the jaw), and two eyes. Its unfused thorax contains seven pairs of partially visible gills and two pairs of pereiopods (walking legs). Additionally, it has a slim, six-segment abdomen adorned with six pairs of pleopods (swimming legs) that culminate in a leafy-like tail fan. The first pair of pereiopods have evolved into chelipeds (pincers), while the other two are smaller raptorial appendages that serve as maxillipeds (feeding assistants). The first three pairs of pleopods are highly developed for swimming, while the last three appear to be vestigial and less functional.

The Arachyu's entire body is covered with armor-like plates and spikes, featuring various shades of ombré faded green-blue and a spotted pattern.

**Males**: Males have four round, curved growths on either side of the middle of their tail.

Males have four round, curved growths on either side of the middle of their tail.

**Females**: Females have four spines coming from the bottom of their "neck".

Females have four spines coming from the bottom of their "neck".

• Arachyu's are solitary and aggressive creatures with a similar temperament to a mantis shrimp.
• Their claws can be used to launch their body forward and crush targets between them with 8,500 pounds per square inch of pressure.
• They have average intelligence but are capable of mapping out attacks. Additionally, they can see millions of colors beyond a human's sight capacity.
• Arachyu are peculiar parents in that they let their babies latch onto their backs, similar to spiders. After 3-5 weeks, young Arachyu will venture out independently.
• They can tolerate fresh water but prefer salt or brackish water. Arachyu are mostly seen in deep, warm waters.
• In combat situations, they refuse to fight other heavily armored creatures but are fine with fighting anything else.
• They are very solitary, and spend most of their lives alone. They are also territorial and will claim an area to themselves and protect it, only stopping for brief periods in their lives to bring up younger Arachyu.
• Their hunting style resembles that of an ambusher, often using their impressive shell to their advantage while whipping out incredible bashing attacks that often send opponents into a daze or even unconscious. They are brutal fighters and will aim to crush and break their target's skull for the kill. Arachyu are capable of holding their prey up with their many limbs while using their claws to feed.

• Their claws are extremely tough, and their exoskeleton protects them from the force of their own attacks.
• They grow by shedding their exoskeleton in smaller sections at a time. This process is very hard to notice and can last infinitely, as there is no set limit for how long and large they can grow.
• Arachyu's shell will create another layer for babies to latch onto to protect their mother from their claws.
• Arachyu can boost themselves by launching backward with their claws in a manner similar to crawfish or lobsters. Additionally, they can maneuver backward with quick swipes of their tail.

• Concept by Undeary in the Creatures of Sonaria Discord. Arachyu is the fourth creature inspired by crustaceans, following Polymonstrum, Militrua, and Kavouradis. Arachyu was originally intended to be semi-aquatic, which can be seen in its concept art. However, according to East, "...due to tester input and issues regarding its body type, it was decided that [Arachyu would] be more enjoyable as a full aquatic instead."
• Animations by Nimwit.
• Arachyu is sometimes called "lobster" or "blue lobster" by the community. The name "blue lobster" is also a reference to a popular meme.
• The Arachyu originally had the highest raw damage output for a Tier 4 until it got updated to a Tier 5 in the December 24th, 2022 update. Now, Arachyu is the second Tier 5 aquatic in-game, the first being the Syroudon.

If you're looking to compare the value of Arachyu with other creatures, we've got a complete Creatures of Sonaria value list page with the latest up-to-date trading values.