Sand Dragon

The Sand Dragon is an underwater species of, known to inhabit the seas of the world of Equestria.

History
Several Sand Dragons inhabited the seas around Mount Aris, but were dormant during the events of the Storm Wars. As such, the Hippogriffs were unaware of their presence except as a vague legend. When they escaped the Storm King by transforming in, they unwittingly built their new settlement of Seaquestria atop the territory of the Sand Dragons. They also helped themselves to the region's seaweed, unaware that it was the favored food source of the Sand Dragons. This act also had the effect of drawing the Beezlebugs, creatures who gathered the seaweed on behalf of the hibernating Sand Dragons, into Seaquestria.

The Seaponies' activity roused a Sand Dragon named Gnash, who was distraught both by the loss of his food source and the disappearance of both the Beezlebugs and his fellow Sand Dragons. Unable to locate them due to the constructions of the Seaponies, Gnash became somewhat desperate and even abducted a Seapony named Cerulean. Fortunately, the visiting and Princess Skystar were able to appeal to the hungry Sand Dragon, preventing further hostility from breaking out. Gnash and his fellow Sand Dragons were subsequently invited to Seaquestria, where they were welcomed as new friends by Queen Novo.

Characteristics
Sand Dragons share a number of similarities with their above water cousins, including the ability to grow to massive size. They are also very long-lived, and can reportedly spend hundreds of moons in hibernation. However, where other dragons seem to favor Gems as a food source, Sand Dragons feed upon seaweed. They also enjoy a relationship with Beezlebugs, who gather the seaweed on their behalf prior to their emergence from hibernation. This is in contrast with terrestrial dragons, at least some of whom hoard gems and other treasures prior to falling asleep.