Neronychterida (Water Bat)

Neronychterida is a species of sea going carnivorous bats, they are around 1 meter tall and cannot fly. They have a diet consisting of mainly of squid and small fish, they are in turn consumed by some whales and sea lions.

They have vastly different bodies compared to their land dwelling cousins, such as small wings which are stiff and short, used mainly for stability. Their back legs are also short. With long stiff toes that are webbed to provide propulsion. They have streamlined snouts and do not have much hair, keeping only the whiskers. All these adaptations reduce drag to almost nothing, granting high speeds getting up to about 30-40 miles an hour!

Although they have traits which help them move in the water, they also have things like the ability to close their nostrils, like seals. They also have third eyelids which protect their eyes while underwater. These are good adaptions but not that useful when you can’t hold your breath. Neronychterida can hold their breath for exceptional periods of time like an average of 45 minutes!

They are quite friendly and do not mind to be stroked or pet and very much enjoy it actually. Being groomed by one is the ultimate sign of trust and you know you have reached the highest point of relationship you can with one if it does this. They are friendly towards us but how about their own kind? Well they are known to form groups and hunt together, if one of the group members is injured and unable to hunt for food the others will bring them to a safe place a bring food for them. They have litters of about 3-6. The babies are very small when they are born, they are very small, about 6 centimetres long.

They are sold as pets. If you would like to buy make sure you have at least these requirements, a body of water for it to swim in. A bed of decent size. Buy food like mackerel, squid or if you would like to treat them, prawns. They require a decent amount of affection and bond easily, plus there is no fur to get everywhere! All in all they are magnificent starter pets!

Now you know everything about this completely incredible species! Like what they eat, how to look after one, and what they are like.