Klyros anatomy

This article covers the external structures and landmarks of the Klyros body and the functions of these parts, as well as sicknesses unique to them and the key differences in internal organs.

external structures

Zona kaldo

the lightly colored spots on the inside of a Klyros arms and the front of their neck could easily be mistaken as a kind of additional protection for the underlying major arteries and veins, but they are actually slightly weaker that the normal scales due to their elastic properties. The real use of the kaldos is actually to assist the cold blooded Klyros in maintaining a temperature in which they can remain active. When the Klyros's temperature begins to drop, the kaldos will contract, much in the same way human skin does, and reduce the surface area through which heat can be lost. These structures are not found in the legs of a klyros because the legs are thick enough to insulate the deeper blood vessels.

external gills

the red area of the Klyros stomach is one of, if not the, most misunderstood areas of the Klyros. The gills work in a similar way to most animals that breath underwater but have several key differences. Unlike fish, who draw water into their mouths and then force it out of their gills, the Klyros has an opening above their gills that draws the water in. this structure can be easily seen as a large slit just under the ribs. Once the water is drawn in, it is held between the gills in a bladder like sac, the bladder then contracts, forcing the water out through the gills were gas exchange occurs.

The color of the gills can be used to observe a few things. A Klyros who is healthy and fertile will have the normal red color that is often associated with the area, but a Klyros who is sick or sterile will have faded or grey gills. Eventually all Klyros's gills will fade or turn gray during the last few years of their lives.

facial features

The white, drop-like eyes of the Klyros have two 'eyelids'. The outer one is what all races have, while the second one is a clear one that comes in from the medial side of the eye. This second eyelid is closed when under water to protect the eye from floating debris, and helps a little with underwater vision. Like most reptiles, the Klyros have no ears, and instead hear with a modified tympanic membrane that doubles as their cheek. The membrane is tougher than most reptiles', but the size of it allows them to hear very distant sounds. Higher pitched noises often go unheard by Klyros, while deeper noises can be heard much more easily.