Sealslugs - pet species

[link]

Discovery:
In the late 90s after kitvoren's existence was made public, several countries sent search and rescue expeditions to try and find the body of the 1930 kitvoren, which was dumped (presumably) into the ocean near the east coast of Nunavut. While these explorations have not found any kitvoren remains, they did find strange creatures, now known as sealslugs. They're named for their physical resemblance to both seals and sea slugs, most iconically their squishy bodies and the sensitive feelers ringing their head and neck. Researchers are torn between whether this creature was naturally occurring or a result of the same radioactive experiments that created kitvoren. Due to their size and habitat, it has been troubling to study them further.

Info:
One of the strangest things about sealslugs is the vents on the side of their bodies. It's theorized that they have internal water sacs that they use for buoyancy while swimming, but also double as stores for their incredible ability to manipulate water itself. These creatures have been seen expelling currents from the vents to stun prey or give themselves a speed boost underwater, but when on land these vents reveal strange water tentacles that are used to help get around, or sometimes as intimidation. One researcher even documented this ability being used to attack a large polar bear who got too close to the sealslug. Scientists are completely baffled by this feature and have suggested explanations ranging from schools of tiny microorganisms creating the illusion of 'water bending', to these tentacles being just that- transparent, watery-looking tentacles. Closer examination has proven inconclusive and it's become a point of conflict among various scientific communities.

Extra features:
Features a sealslug can have that aren't shown in the diagram include: various extra fins or fin styles, different numbers of vents/tentacles, different numbers or styles of feelers, glowing markings, or sea wings.

Behaviour:
These marine creatures are naturally curious and have approached research boats and underwater drones without fear. They often bump against new things to examine them further, and have been documented trying to play tug-of-war with scientists' expensive equipment. Despite this curiosity, they shy away from humans as soon as the barrier between them reduces- such as divers entering the water or people simply standing too close to the edge of a boat. Towards other sea life, however, they tend to be less fearful and sometimes engage in chasing games or possible communication via whale-like squeaks.
On land, sealslugs are clumsy and floppy when trying to get around. They utilize their liquid tentacles to help push them around more quickly, though they are more likely to stand their ground and intimidate rather than run from a threat.

Habitat:
Ocean environments, mainly deep in arctic waters. Like seals, they sometimes leave the water to rest on flat stretches of ice, or cold land beaches.

Diet:
Squid is the favourite among this species, though they'll also settle for fish, eels and shrimp when needed. They have also been observed hunting seals, walruses and young polar bears, though it's unclear if they do so for fun or for survival.

Size:
Sealslugs can grow quite big- the largest known is 20 feet long from head to tail tip. But smaller individuals have been found, working out to an average length of about 7 feet long.

Lifespan:
Unknown.

Warnings:
- Do not approach without a food offering, as the sealslug will consider you a threat or prey otherwise.
- Be cautious when diving with sealslugs- be sure to have a backup oxygen tank and someone in contact with you on the surface. These creatures have been known to nearly drown their passengers, not understanding their need for air.
- Due to their size, it’s not recommended to let a sealslug rest on top of you.