Why it evolved

Sustained high temperatures in the Tethys Shallows favor organisms with lower metabolic rates and greater tolerance for oxygen-poor conditions. The Mud-Stalker evolves a burrowing habit, allowing it to escape the hottest surface waters and exploit the cooler, oxygen-scarce mud. This also provides a stable ambush platform for prey like the Dart-Swimmer and Lagoon Squidling. A trade-off is a slower, less active hunting style, requiring more patience.