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Introduction: ARK: Survival Evolved is a popular open-world survival game that allows players to explore a vast prehistoric landscape filled with a variety of fascinating creatures. The game offers players an immersive experience, presenting them with the opportunity to interact with and tame a diverse range of animals. However, one notable absence from the current roster of creatures is the Sheepshead fish. In this essay, we will discuss why the Sheepshead fish deserves a place in ARK: Survival Evolved and how its inclusion would enhance the game's overall experience. Ecological Diversity: ARK: Survival Evolved prides itself on showcasing a rich ecosystem that mirrors the prehistoric world. Introducing the Sheepshead fish to the game would contribute to this goal by increasing the diversity of marine life. The Sheepshead fish, also known as Archosargus probatocephalus, is a saltwater species found along the coastlines of North America. Its unique appearance and distinct behavior would provide players with a fresh and engaging underwater experience. Realism and Educational Value: Adding the Sheepshead fish to ARK: Survival Evolved aligns with the game's commitment to realism. The inclusion of this species would help educate players about the marine life that existed during prehistoric times. By accurately modeling its appearance, behavior, and habitat, players would have the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating creature. This educational aspect adds depth to the game and can spark curiosity and interest in real-world biology and paleontology. Gameplay Mechanics: The Sheepshead fish possesses several attributes that would make it an interesting addition to the gameplay mechanics of ARK: Survival Evolved. For instance: 3.1. Unique Feeding Mechanism: The Sheepshead fish is known for its distinctive set of teeth, which resemble human molars. These teeth are specifically adapted to crush and grind shellfish, crustaceans, and other hard-bodied prey. Implementing this feeding behavior could introduce a new mechanic to the game, where players would need to find and consume shellfish in order to satisfy the dietary needs of tamed Sheepshead fish. 3.2. Underwater Interaction: ARK: Survival Evolved already offers a diverse range of aquatic creatures, and the Sheepshead fish would further enhance the underwater gameplay. Players could swim alongside these fish, feed them, and even ride them, opening up new possibilities for exploration and transportation in the game's vast oceanic environments. Aesthetics and Customization: The Sheepshead fish possesses a unique appearance that would add visual appeal and aesthetic variety to the game. Its silver-gray body, prominent black stripes, and distinct facial features would make it a visually stunning addition to the existing roster of creatures. Additionally, the game could incorporate a range of color variations, allowing players to customize their tamed Sheepshead fish to suit their preferences. Cultural Significance: The Sheepshead fish holds cultural significance in various coastal communities. It is a popular game fish sought after by anglers, and its inclusion in ARK: Survival Evolved would resonate with players who have a personal connection to this species. Such cultural representation can foster a sense of inclusivity and appeal to a wider audience. Conclusion: The addition of the Sheepshead fish to ARK: Survival Evolved would enhance the game's ecological diversity, provide educational value, introduce new gameplay mechanics, and offer aesthetic customization options. Furthermore, it would contribute to the game's commitment to realism and align with its goal of recreating a prehistoric world filled with diverse and fascinating creatures. By acknowledging the importance of the Sheepshead fish and including it in the game, ARK: Survival Evolved would create a more immersive and engaging experience for players worldwide.

Saichania, its name means "Beautiful One", and for good reason. This ankylosaur is covered in an extravagent set of scutes and osteoderms for protection, with a tail ending a club composed of fused bone. These clubs would be used for a number of purposes, from duels between rivals to self defense against predators. This dinosaur lived 72-70 million years ago in what is now Mongolia, and part of a special group of spiky, asian ankylosaurs. This group is infamous for their own unique sets of pin cushioned armor, contrary to the keeled scutes of their North American cousins. However, Asian ankylosaurs like Saichania come with an additional twist: their knack for burrowing! Several different genera of asian ankylosaurs like Pinacosaurus, along with various unnamed Ankylosaurs found in Mongolia show signs for digging, be it specialized forelimbs to dig through the sand and dirt, to even having been found in shallow pits in the ground that were dug by the ankylosaurs themselves! This knack for digging is where Saichania comes in. Being a superb digger, the Ark bred Saichania is a subterranian creature that can dig through the tough soil to navigate across a number of terrain. This digging also comes into effect when mining, with their club tails able to smash through tough rocks and mine for precious resources, along with their ability to dig for items and resources. In addition, these creatures can eat a number of ores and other materials/resources, with the pressurized minerals in their stomach resulting in dung filled with refined resources, which survivors can use as a crafting system, with feeding certain ingredients more likely to produced the desired resources. However, this creature isn't just a hard working miner, but its perfect for a sneak attack! Able to accomplish a wide range of maneuvers and traps for survivors to utilize. Want to sneak up on a target, Saichania can dig underground and wait, before springing into attack and launching itself like a cannonball, stunning and damaging any of those foolish enough to not watch their step. Need to breach into a stronghold? No problem, survivors can dig under the walls of a camp or fortress and spring out in a surprise attack. Using their club tails, they can deal a high amount of damage when defending themselves, or even going on the offensive. Being slightly smaller than its more famous cousin Ankylosaurus, Saichania is afforded greater speed, able to move in at great speed for a medium sized herbivore, while being a fairly easy tame for survivors. However, this smaller size has its costs. While its smaller size offers greater speed and maneuverability, it is not as heavily armored as Ankylosaurus, and can be vulnerable to large carnivores like Tyrannosaurus and Giganotosaurus once they deal their cannonball-esque attack, with their armor providing limited protection, so survivors must use this tame wisely. Treat the beautiful Saichania well, and it will treat you with victory!