Topper

Toppers are a non-sapient species of large, hexapedal herbivores from the planet Alaspin.

Biology
Toppers are large creatures. Some individuals can grow up to three meters at shoulder height, and even the smallest ones are estimated to weigh several tons. They walk on three pairs of thick columnar legs and have armored skin protected by hexagonal plates. Most notably, they have a pair of horns on their snouts shaped like a double-bladed battle axe, and use them to cut through the giant grass that covers the plains of their homeworld.

Toppers move in herds. The largest males lead the way, cutting vegetation at ground level to create pathways, followed by immature males and females. The younglings follow them, eating the grass that has already been stepped over and turned into soft pulp by the adults. Behind them comes an escort of young females who protect the younglings from potential predators.

Appearances

 * The End of the Matter, by Alan Dean Foster (1977)