KRAKEN

MIGHT-- 1/5 or 5/5 (Generally speaking not a threat, but when riled can cause destruction on a cataclysmic level)

Rarity -- 4/5 - 5/5 (In regards to unverified sightings)

Krakens are a mysterious species rarely seen by ponykind--it is suspected there may be only one remaining.  Certainly there are not many.  Krakens are best described as monumental sized creatures somewhere between an octopus and a squid, as they carry traits of both animals.

They superficially resemble squids in shape--they are long and somewhat conical, with two large eyes on opposite sides of their heads.  However, rather than the long, thin tentacles of squid, they have dextrous, suction cupped tentacles as octopi--excepting for two longer tentacles, as the squid.  They tend to be slate grey in colour, though records exist of solid black and solid white krakens being spotted. Something to note is that the suckers on the longer tentacles contain sharp barbs, presumably to maintain a better grip on prey. Also, the all the suckers have sharp edges, making the removal of them dangerous if the animal is unwilling to let go.

The longest substantiated kraken length on record is 82’, from the tip of their mantle to the end of the pair of longer tentacles, though estimates place their maximum size to be up to 100’ or more.  Adult krakens are estimated at weigh somewhere between eight to fifteen tons.  Their beaks are terribly impressive, wide enough to swallow two full grown ponies together.

Their mating habits are a complete unknown, as no young kraken have ever been recorded as being witnessed.  Furthermore, while clearly they can live for centuries--if not millennia as suspected--it is unknown precisely how long a kraken lives.

It is unknown precisely what abilities the kraken may possess--however, it is heavily theorized they have incredibly power magic tied to weather control.  All records of kraken attacks also include immensely destructive storms--rain, lightning, waves, and hurricane speed winds have all accompanied the raging beasts.  It is also hypothesized they may control the tides and even the currents of the seas, to better access fishing schools for feeding.

They are incredibly dexterous with their tentacles, which also possess immense strength.  Records indicate that during attacks, a kraken would crack ships in two and fling debris with nearly pinpoint accuracy.

There is no comparing krakens to ponies--ponykind can only hope and run when faced with an angry kraken.  Even ignoring their colossal strength and size, the weather that comes with a kraken attack is deadly on its own.

Krakens are a peculiar species that prefer isolation to all things.  They spend decades sleeping deep within the darkest depths of the oceans--coming up only occasionally and then for but a few hours.  It is this time in which they feed and--though it has never been witness--to mate.  It is estimated that an individual kraken will take several hundred miles of ocean as their territory, often sleeping near the edge.  During their awakened state, they swim the length and breadth of their territory in search of food.

Through heavy historical research, it has been discovered that occasionally a kraken has been awoken prematurely.  Generally what follows is a storm of cataclysmic proportions and a raging kraken destroying anything it can reach.  It is unsure yet heavily speculated that the kraken summons the storm in its wrath.  Many historical and pre-historical records of massive floods or destructive hurricanes have been pegged as the fault of an enraged kraken.  Therefore, great care must be taken to not disturb their rest.

Krakens reside in the deepest reaches of all the oceans of the world, including arctic regions.  As nopony can survive in these areas, much of this information is speculatory. It is surmised that, like the normal animals they resemble, krakens enjoy a safe, rocky home to hide away in whilst sleeping.

Krakens subsist entirely on fish--though rumors abound of them attacking ships and coastal settlements to consume ponies.  Setting aside the few attacks made by disturbed krakens, there have been no substantiated records of a kraken consuming a pony or even attacking one.  Occasionally, larger creatures such as sharks and whales have shown signs of being attacked by krakens.  Krakens seem to eat nearly two thirds of their body weight in fish before sleeping.  It is assumed they possess an incredibly slow metabolism to subsist on such food for so long.