I do not own the Fallout Series
AN: Good news: Deadliest Catch is still going strong 280+ years in the future. Bad News: The name is far more literal than it was ever intended.
Mirelurks
'Mirelurk' is a term used to describe a number of distinct, but seemingly co-dependent and oddly genetically compatible semi-aquatic species. Living in family groups of about 10-20 members; Mirelurks makes their nests in isolated, damp environments: flooded quarries, shipping yards, lakeside cabins and even a flooded war memorial out in the DC ruins. Mirelurks are also extremely territorial, and will kill anyone or anything that intrudes on their nest, then leave their remains in muddy refuse piles for later consumption or to feed to the hatchlings.
Despite being composed of varying distinct species; Mirelurks all seem to be perfectly able of coexistence, forming symbiotic relationships and can even interbreed, oddly enough. While the image that most often pops to mind is that of a mutated crab, Mirelurk sub-species also include lobsters, giant isopods, horseshoe crabs, and even snapping turtles.
Mirelurk Variants
Hatchlings
Freshly hatched from their egg clutches, the hatchlings will be guarded and tended to by the members of the family until fully grown. They're just as territorial as their fully adult family, but are more annoyances than actual threats.
Common Mirelurk
Descended mostly from various crab species; Common Mirelurks are decapods, meaning they have eight legs. Four of these are used for locomotion and the remaining four are used as arms, two smaller arms for handling food and other items and two larger clawed arms for attacking prey. Their carapaces form a sturdy natural armor and can be difficult to kill unless you fire on their unprotected faces or soft underbelly. Common Mirelurks like to burrow themselves in mud and will burst out of the ground if their nests are attacked or if prey is nearby.
Mirelurk Hunters
These mutants are likely some mutated form of lobster; with reddish-brown shells and low-to-the-ground bodies. As their name implies, they hunt for food, usually in pairs. They have acidic spit as well as strong claws, making them far more challenging than their more common brethren.
Mirelurk Kings
The only Mirelurks without any kind of shell; what the Kings lack in armor, they more than make up for in strength and agility. Fast, agile and equipped with sharp webbed hands as well as having an amplified sonic blast, the King's are incredibly dangerous, with some even able to camouflage themselves by changing their skin color. They appear to be some form of evolved frog or toad, with their natural sonic screech heavily resembling the iconic croaks of the smaller amphibians.
Mirelurk Queen
Huge and horrific, the Mirelurk Queen is the largest of any species of Mirelurk. Similar to an Ant Queen (see "Insects" page for more details), any nest that has a Mirelurk Queen is dependent on her for reproduction. Tended to by the males in her nest, the Queen looks after the egg clutches as the females hunt and scavenge for food. The Mirelurk Queen is even more dangerous than her children, as she possess massive serrated claws and a corrosive saliva. If you destroy the egg clutches, she will frenzy and destroy anything in her path, Mirelurk or not. Despite resembling crabs, Mirelurk Queens are actually Giant Isopods that have mutated into the size of a large house.
Lakelurks/Swamplurks
Descended from turtles rather than crustaceans, these 'Lurks make their homes in marshes or lakes. Unlike their decapod compatriots; they're bipedal, with green skin and are humanoid in appearance. It's easy to mistake them for some type of super mutant rather than a Mirelurk.
Mirelurk Trivia
Mirelurk meat is incredibly delicious and several prospecting Wastelanders have attempted to capitalize on this to mixed success.
Adolescent Mirelurks haven't fully grown their shells yet, making them softer and less durable than the carapaces of their older brethren. Consequentially, these younger 'Lurks are referred to as 'Softshell Mirelurks'. And the uncreative naming train continues.
The most popular of Mirelurk-based meals is Mirelurk Cake.
Mirelurk carapaces are extremely strong and can make decent makeshift settlement defensives.
Some Mirelurks in The Capital Wasteland walk on two legs instead of four.
Mirelurk breeding season is a nightmare for anyone who lives close to one of their nests.
In Far Harbor, the settlement leader called 'The Captain' is decided by having a prospective captain kill a whole nest of Mirelurks as well as other semi-aquatic mutants and making a feast to celebrate.