Nibbler Mango

Nibbler mango (tentatively Mango tructa). A pesky omnivore adapted to scrape-feed. It will happily snap at fish, sponges, kelps, and human limbs.

1. Tooth-rich jaws Enormous jaw crests (the upper rhinotheca and lower gnathoteca) crush rocks and dead coral before swallowing. Made of calcium apatite, surfaced in tough vinyl, and loaded with batteries of spare teeth. New teeth push up through the core of old teeth, splitting them open. Likely painful.

2. Appreciable threat Not a dedicated carnivore, but territorial and always hungry. Must maintain powerful jaw muscles and a massive digestive tract on a diet of slime, algae, and trash. Always looking for more to eat.

3. Problematic digestion Grinds its food in an internal gizzard, creating a concrete-like paste. Frequently constipated as a result.

4. Not an apex predator May fear larger predators; startled by bright light or loud sound.

5. Key ecological role Probably a critical recycler in reef ecosystems, breaking down hard debris into free nutrients. Droppings may be metal-rich.

6. Social organism Nibblers may live in family groups, or form small cohorts to defend against larger predators.

Assessment: may be dangerous in groups. Distract with flares and avoid pending any developments re: useful behavior or droppings.