Editing Ianthina (section)

== Body Language ==
Ianthina rely heavily on nonverbal communication. Between fins, lumens, and tails that all act as forms of nonverbal communication between each other, many ianthina struggle to correctly read the emotions and body language of other species. To them, a landdweller's range of expression is flat and limited, which further feeds misunderstandings and conflict.

Lumens are incredibly important to the ianthina, viewed as nearly as integral part of their body as their tails. They're a key part of communication: ianthina can light up at will, and flashing their lumens allows for morse code-like conversations at long distances, without making a sound. They're also an unconscious emotional indicator: antennae and lumens react to emotions. Slow glowing in and out can signify relaxation, while lighting up suddenly can indicate fear or embarrassment. 

Antennae tend to be an area of focus and carry a lot of cultural weight in [[Olitskur]]. While losing a little length at some point in one’s life is common—antennae are able to regenerate if the tip is lost--to lose ones' antennae entirely is akin to losing an arm or similarly brutal sort of mutilation. Antennae curled toward the face can indicate interest and curiosity, while antennae pressed back against the skull can indicate fear or disgust. Because of how they're used for communication, and because they're relatively delicate, touching an ianthina’s antennae without permission is extremely taboo. For most, it’s an act of intimacy reserved only for parents, lovers, and the very closest friends.

Ianthina fins--including their tail fin--is also another avenue they tend to use to communicate. The cartilaginous rays in fins allow the fin to flatten or flare. They might flare their fins when angry or excited, puffing up bigger, and might flatten their fins, bringing them close to their body, when they're scared or shy. Ear fins are mobile and can collapse down on each other or separate further when flattened of flared. Due to the muscles that control the rays being close to the body, ianthina with long fins have much more difficulty expressing themself this way, since their fins react more slowly to the movement of the rays. 

Much of how ianthina move and communicate can be compared to cats. They're jumpy, and sometimes, they scurry. When on land, they'll drop to all fours if they think they'll need to make a quick getaway, or if they're trying to be cautious in how they approach something. Their pupils respond to emotions, expanding or contracting when they're excited, interested, alarmed, etc. Ianthina can also chirp, hiss, growl, and purr.