Savpuffers

Savpuffers are a fictional species native to the planet Xylos. They are known for their unique biological adaptation of rapidly inflating their bodies to deter predators. When threatened, a savpuffer can ingest a large amount of atmospheric gas, causing its elastic skin to stretch and its internal volume to dramatically increase. This sudden expansion makes them appear much larger and more unappetizing to potential attackers.

Physically, savpuffers are small, roughly the size of a terrestrial rodent, with smooth, leathery skin that comes in various earthy tones. They possess a short snout, large, dark eyes, and four stubby limbs ending in clawed digits. Their diet consists primarily of Xylosian fungi and small invertebrates. They are social creatures, often found in small colonies within underground burrows. The puffing mechanism is a defense mechanism, not their primary mode of locomotion or communication. While their puffing ability is impressive, it also leaves them vulnerable during the deflation process, during which they are significantly smaller and slower. Xylosian predators have learned to wait for the savpuffer to deflate before attempting to attack.