The Somnacanth is a Leviathan first introduced in Monster Hunter Rise.
Physiology[]
The physiology of somnacanth is quite distinct. Large yellowish scales that become white on the underside cover its whole body. Each of the three digits on its front foot ends in a long, curled black claw. Four digits on its back foot terminate in shorter claws. Each of its front legs is finned. It looks unsettlingly humanoid and has a short face. It has two enormous purple horns above its eyes and two smaller knob-like protrusions in front of them. Its head is adorned with three sets of little purple fins on the side, and a large fin on top that resembles a crest. Along the top of its tail, these purple fins also emerge, forming a crescent shape at the tip. For breaking apart shells, it employs a hard patch on its abdomen patterned like a taiko drum. Moreover, it has many bioluminescent patches on its body, which are visible in the mouth, around the eyes, along the throat's seams, and on the base of its tail.
Behavior and Abilities[]
It is common to witness somnacanth swimming on its back. It's able to balance on its tail. It may become highly hostile and is a very territorial critter that will not tolerate trespassers.
In its throat, somnacanth may produce a substance that induces sleep, which it can then spray via its mouth. Like other monsters with the ability to put creatures to sleep, it will take advantage of this to attack its target or enemy. It can exhale this powder in the form of a broad cloud that covers the whole region or as a long-range, sweeping cone. It has the ability to leap very high into the air and crash upon its intended victim. It can also rapidly toss quills that resemble darts. The quills remain on the ground for a brief period of time. Its crest is where the darts come from.
Somnacanth tends to stand on its tail during battle, making its head difficult to reach.
Like otters, it can lie on its back and utilize its strong belly to split open shells. When split open, these shells produce a number of effects, such as a directed flash, an explosion that covers the hunter with blast powder, and even a healing mist that cures other hunters in the vicinity.
