Nyantolo were a type of mammal that lived in the water, specifically in the swamps of Wyndigal 2; their existence is documented in aquatic legends. These creatures could grow up to three meters in length and possessed a unique anatomy: two front flippers, a pair of small pelvic fins, and a tail with upright flukes. Their mouths were notable for their shovel-shaped jaws and strong, bony beaks, capable of delivering a very strong bite.
These creatures secreted a sticky substance from their backs, which served to attract both insects and various debris from the swamp environment. This collection of material would then harden, forming an irregular carapace featuring numerous hollow chambers. This carapace not only provided camouflage but also allowed the nyantolo to generate an eerie, moaning whistle by blowing air through breathing tubes located on its back. Older nyantolo, possessing larger carapaces, were capable of producing louder songs, which in turn attracted a greater number of potential mates. Unusually, nyantolo exhibited three distinct sexes and engaged in communal mating practices, with eggs being laid approximately three weeks following the mating ritual. The collective wailing produced by dozens of nyantolo during mating season was often described as an unsettling experience.
Outside of the mating season, nyantolo displayed a complete lack of interaction with one another. Throughout their lifespan, which typically ranged from two to five years, they would establish a specific feeding territory. Within this area, they would either drift passively or swim slowly through the swamps, using their jaws to scoop up swamp debris and small fish. In addition to relying on chance encounters with food, two of the five identified subspecies possessed glands in their mouths that secreted an oily fluid. This fluid served as an attractant for small fish and croator, a species of bird also native to the swamps. Furthermore, if a larger creature approached too closely, the nyantolo were capable of surprisingly swift movements, using their flippers and beaks to attack.
The name "nyantolo" originates from an unfortunate incident involving Nyantolo, a Rodian scout who stumbled upon one of these creatures. After one of the nyantolos killed him, the species was named in his memory. Following this event, visitors to Wyndigal 2 were routinely warned to exercise caution and avoid disturbing these swamp-dwelling animals.