The Gigatus

Gigatus (Gender Unknown)

The Gigatus are the largest animals living in Yabun Forest. They grow to a staggering 6.7 m in height and weigh about 7 tons. These animals are arthropods, characterized by their segmented exoskeleton and jointed limbs and they have been documented to live for 80 years or more. The breeding habits of the giant are unknown but it is believed that they are hermaphrodites and are opportunistic breeders as they meet one another rarely.

Gigatus Mouthparts

Gigatus move so slowly that it takes them years to cover only 10 miles of forest. They stand and wait, ever looking down at the ground, waiting for something to cross their path. Gigatus possess a pair of compound eyes that are sensitive to movement and can see in a clear 360˚ view. They wait for prey to enter into their reach and swiftly drop their long tentacles down to sting the victim. The Gigatus’ tentacles hold a vast array of poisonous barbs that will become lodged in the prey and inject a series of two toxins. First, a neurotoxin to paralyze the victim instantly, then a hemotoxin to help break down the tissue. Death is quick for prey, as all respiratory systems shut down almost instantly. The Gigatus is in no hurry to pick up its catch. Some will wait a full three days until it finally lowers its body down to pick up the rotting carcass with its smaller arms. By this time the prey is soft and almost entirely digested, and only its skin seems to hold it together. After slurping up the prey through its mouth, the Gigatus drops what’s left of its meal onto the forest floor and waits again.