Traits

By default, Xeros have small, rounded claws. Their claws are shiny and just slightly translucent. They cannot have no claws, or claws of a different shape or size than this without a special mutation.

By default, Xeros have long tails. Their tails can be a variety of shapes and sizes, such as a thick kangaroo-like tail, thin cat-like tails, fluffy fox-like tails, and more. So long as the tail appearance does not cross over with any of the other Tail Mutation requirements, Standard Tails can be nearly any other shape or size. 

By default, all Xeros have ears that are located on the sides of their heads. These ears can be a variety of shapes and sizes, but are always folded in and narrowed at the base. Ears can be round, pointed, oval-shaped, and more. They can be many sizes, from small, rounded bear-like ears, to larger, pointed fox-like ears, to long rabbit-like ears. As long as it does not cross over with any other Ear Mutation requirements, Standard Ears can be nearly any other shape or size. 

Tufted Ears are a common mutation observed on Xeros. These ears can be any shape or size, but feature tufts of longer fur at the tips, like a lynx.

Floppy Ears are a common mutation observed on Xeros. These ears can be perky like the above example, fully flopped like a labrador's ears, or even longer flopped ears like a lop rabbit's. 

These ears are unique to Hollow Xeros, and while they fit the shapes and sizes you expect from a standard Xero, they do have an adaptation unique to their type. The ear's interior cartilage is ridged, acting as a type of acoustic focusing lens to help sharpen sounds for positional accuracy in the dark. Hollow ears can have darker ridges, or a gradient of colors within the different segments. These are the only kind of ear that can have gradients  of different colors within them.

Desert Xeros can have larger than average ears to radiate heat, this trait is known as Desert Ears. They can be any shape (pointy fennec-like, rounded jackrabbit-like, etc.) Size can vary a bit, but is generally about twice the height of the head.

Tundra Xeros can have extremely fluffy ears called Tundra Ears; the fluff is so long that the tufts of fur inside cover most or all of the visible skin and hangs outside the ears!

Marine Xeros can have extra small ears, or no visible ear flaps at all. This adaptation helps them be more streamlined underwater.

Xeros can have all sorts of tail shapes, but prehensile tails are quite rare. This type of tail acts as a fifth limb, allowing the Xero to hold on to other objects or aid in climbing. When not in use, they hold their tails coiled tightly in a spiral, usually facing down.

Bobtails are a somewhat unusual mutation to see on a Xero. These tails are naturally short, and can be various shapes such as super short nubs, or fluffier bunny or deer-like tails.

Tufted Tails are a common mutation observed on Xeros. These tails can be any size or shape, but feature a tuft of longer fur at the tip, like a lion.

Curly Tails are a common mutation observed on Xeros. These tails can be a variety of different sizes and shapes, but always curl upwards in a single loop.

 Desert Xeros can have thick, fat tails like a gecko to store fat and water, this trait is known as a Desert Tail. Size and shape can vary, but think of a thick leopard gecko-like tail, or a big squishy tail reminiscent of a caterpillar or grub.

Marine Xeros can have fins of any sort on various parts of their bodies. Fins can include whale-like dorsal fins and flukes, shark or fish-like tails, or any other sort of webbed fin. Fins can be located on their backs, tails, backs of their limbs, or even in place of their ears.

How did that happen?!

Saber fangs are a very rare mutation to see on a Xero. These long canines protrude much further from the Xero's mouth than is normal for their species. This can give them a rather intimidating appearance!

It is very rare to see a Xero with slimy skin. Xeros with this trait have extra slimy skin, coated with protective mucus. The slime only affects areas of visible skin, such as their inner ears, paw pads, and tongue. This trait could be combined with the Hairless trait to have slimy skin on other areas of the body.

Generally, a Xero's flesh is all the same color, so visible areas like the inside of their ears, tongue, nostrils, and paw pads must all be the same, but this special trait allows their skin to be different colors! It's not just limited to two colors either, each ear, paw pad, etc. could all be different colors! However, spotted skin is exclusive to the Piebald trait. This trait also allows heterochromia; two different colored eyes!

Antennae are the most common trait displayed by Xeros. These sensitive feelers enhance a Xero's senses and help them navigate in difficult environments. The antennae can be many different shapes and lengths, and can be present on the head, back, tail, and other places, such as on the cheeks like 'whiskers', or on the back of the limbs. Antennae are soft and flexible.