Pelagic Xenarthra for SpecChallenge

Here it is, my entry for Hyrotrioskjan 's #SpecChallenge #2 an aquatic species of armadillo, adapted for ocean life. they have evolved somewhat convergently with turtles and sirenians. This particular species inhabits shallow coastal waters around a now flooded south america, feeding on the large crustaceans and shrimp species that inhabit the area. When conditions are good, they venture into mangrove swamps to breed and raise young, then venture back into the ocean. They have retained most of their armor from their land dwelling relatives as a defense against the huge predatory otters that live in the same area. Fun fact: they are the only mammals to have evolved a side-to side method of swimming, rather than the up-down motion used by other aquatic mammals.