Tankots

Tankots are a group of small armored organisms described in speculative biology and science fiction settings. They are typically 1–3 cm in length and possess a rigid, interlocking carapace that covers both the head and thorax, giving a turtle-like appearance. The abdomen is segmented and can be flexed beneath the shield. Most species have four walking legs and two peri-oral appendages used for feeding and manipulation.

They inhabit temperate coastal zones in intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats, living in crevices among rocks, under kelp holdfasts, and in burrows in sandy shores. They are distributed across several fictional archipelagos in the southern hemisphere.

Tankots are omnivores, feeding on detritus, microalgae, and small invertebrates. Several species host microalgae on their carapace, providing mutualistic nutrition. They are mostly nocturnal, retreating during the day to avoid desiccation and predators.

They reproduce sexually with seasonal breeding. Eggs are laid in secure crevices and hatch into free-swimming nauplius-like larvae that metamorphose into juveniles. Maturity is reached within several months depending on species.

In fictional taxonomy, tankots belong to the phylum Tankota, class Crustatura, order Tankotiformes, family Tankotidae. Notable genera include Tankotus and Tankopsis.

In some worlds, tankots are common but habitat loss threatens local populations. They appear in folklore as symbols of resilience due to their protective armor.