>>5430440>>5430442>>5430443>>5430449>>5430456>>5430461>>5430482>>5430493The Flounder Feeder has developed a rudimentary means of noisemaking, the first of its kind in the narrow band ecosystem: when near other members of its pack, a Flounder Feeder makes a distinct clicking noise by rapidly folding back and popping its tongue. This catches the attention of Flounder Feeders, which click their tongues in response, starting a cycle of acknowledgement that tends to last five to ten Terran minutes. In the event that a Flounder Feeder stops clicking before the usual stopping period, most of the pack will stop swimming and search the surrounding waters for traces of danger pheromones or vibrations that indicate prey, both of which are a regular cause. Although a simple method of communication, it’s functional and compliments pheromones quite well.
Younger Flounder Feeders tend to click more than necessary, often carrying out their own quiet “conversations” while adults focus on finding food. This serves as another avenue of pack-bonding and an additional line of warning alongside conventional pheromones. Much more profound than the tongue clicking is a slight creasing of the brain, as by chance a small wrinkle emerges in its center. This noticeably improves Flounder Feeder social dynamics, at no added risk of cancer and a mild increase in nutritional requirements. Only cruel, fickle and impartial fate can know what will become of it in the future.
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