Sandsharks

The sandshark. There are two variations, know simply as desert and beach sandsharks. The desert ones are "magna densharenae falspistris", or large, sand-toothed false shark. The beach sandsharks are called "parvus densharenae falspistris", or small, sand-toothed false shark.

Literal sandsharks. Though small, about 3-4 feet long on average, fully-grown, and not very fast under the sand, about something like 12 mph, they can pop up out of nowhere with only a small molehill in the sand as notice and have the choice to both lay on top of the sand and tunnel through as if "swimming", since their tunnels collapse behind themselves. Very thin creatures that somewhat resemble sharks, with very sturdy fins and very pointed snouts. They "swim" through the sand like an eel would swim through water, with the use of their whole bodies to push themselves forward. Their scales would be very tough, slick, glossy and the same color as the sand they reside in and would have rows of hundreds or even thousands of tiny little teeth. Usually travel in packs of up to 4, and hunt in packs of 8. They have hard, plastic-like coverings over both of their eyes which are sometimes used to shield crystals after being harvested. They show to have quite some intelligence. Sandsharks do come out at night, but they do-so much more often during the day. Their scales are perfected for bouncing off massive amounts of heat, sun and sand, being glossy and hard. They are an apex desert predator, but can also be found in beaches, as a slightly different, less apex, species that can also swim through the water, is faster, but is also smaller, 2-2.5 feet on average, and in deserts as larger and tougher versions, the aforementioned 3-4 feet average. Some say they have their own language and in-fact make actual tunnel homes beneath the more solid sandstone, although nobody has ever quite been able to record this.

Sand-sharks are very sensitive to high-frequency or loud noise, and are much-so a rare threat that isn't needed to worry about daily. The sand they burrow in is also prone to being turned into glass by a skilled fire mage. Though it is easy to find them if you know how to.

If you ever see a sandshark basking above the sand, and they can be identified by a very powerful glint off of their scales, it is not recommended to approach it without some kind of offering, like food. They are rather fond of fish, but also love small game like rabbit, mice and others. (Though they will also happily accept and scarf down any kind of meat you can offer). They are extremely territorial and are likely to attack you if approached, though can be easily swayed by the sight and presentation of a gift. A sandshark may be a very useful, if only temporary, friend.