Kessik Thrasher

Name: Kessik Thrasher. Though usually is just called Kessik.
Species: Sharker stalker (something of a mix between a large dog and a shark)
Gender: Hermaphrodite (Simultaneous hermaphrodite)
General Description: About the size of a large great dane, this sharker stands at around 40 inches (102 cm) and the shoulder and 54" (137 cm) in length (not including the tail) (size is also a work in progress as I'm not yet certain just how large the typical Sharker is supposed to be. I'm currently going with large great dane sized, but may be up to the size of a pony. May change the above figures at some point)
• Also, though I may expect them to have a reasonably high intelligence, I would imagine they are probably somewhere around the intelligence of smart birds or dogs. Though possibly as intelligent as apes and cetaceans.
I'm also perfectly fine with playing them with actual lower-level sapience, perhaps even understanding language at least to a certain degree. They may not be able to speak so much themself, not really having the right vocal chords for that, but would be able to understand what is being said, able to to utilize basic logic and reasoning skills as well as abstract thinking. Though he would still be found lacking as compared to an average person.

Basic Facts!
• Eats fish and meats.
• Breathes underwater just as well as in air.
• Fast swimmer! (toes spread out with webbing between each, long strong limbs able to offer quick mobility)
• Climbs on almost any vertical or horizontal surface. (has gecko-like pads on the feet, able to use the pads to stick to most surfaces pretty well!)
• Good with training (quick to learn new things. High degree of intelligence)
• Body is covered in a short, waterproof fur coating that's quite dense, helping to hold in body heat when in the water. Has a tough reptilian skin underneath the fur.
• There is a fair bit of variation of coloration and patterns amongst the species. Rarely are any two individuals entirely alike.
• They are simultaneous hermaphrodites (meaning they are always hermaphrodites throughout their lives versus sequential hermaphrodites that switch between male and female genders)
• Can have *active* and *passive* appearances where they can take on more masculine or feminine characteristics at different times, changing coloration, some variation to size/build, and habits/behaviors.
• Ovoviviparous (have embryos that are encapsulated with a yolk and shell casing that are held within the parent until they hatch where they then give birth to live young)
• While swimming, the main nostrils close tightly and the ears pull tight against the skull, the gills taking over from there. Eyes are usually covered by a nictitating membrane for protection though can be consciously opened when more clarity of vision is needed, usually for short durations.
• Can often become big huge lap dogs.

Originally created for military service, they have now become more widely adopted since then, often used by coastal inhabitants to aid with fishing, retrieving traps, lures, and untangle nets or other kinds of lines being used. Some have even been trained to pick up various kinds of debris for cleaning efforts.

They can exist fine in both salt and fresh water, having little difficulty in handling both environments.