Snapmaw

The Snapmaw is a category of machine in Horizon Zero Dawn. A medium-sized amphibious Acquisition Class machine, Snapmaws behave much like crocodiles, basking in the sun, swimming and generally moving slowly. However, also like crocodiles, they are capable of bursts of formidable speed and aggression.

History
Snapmaws were by designed and built by POSEIDON, the subroutine of GAIA tasked with detoxifying the Earth's poisoned seas and other aquatic environments, after the apocalyptic extinction of all life and sterilization of the planet caused by the Faro Plague.

Presumably, before the onset of the Derangement, Snapmaws were built expressly for this task, but with the onset of the Derangement, they were modified by HEPHAESTUS for aggressive combat against humans. They are found in and on the banks of many of the rivers west of the Nora Sacred Land, but tend to stick near water.

Appearance
The Snapmaw's chassis resembles that of an enormous crocodile, with a long, crocodilian snout, complete with metal teeth, a heavyset reptilian body, four crocodilian legs and feet, and a long, stout, powerful tail. Its gait exactly mirrors that of a crocodile. There are two visual sensors in the same position as a crocodile's eyes. An armoured Blaze canister sits atop each shoulder. The gullet is composed of a Freeze Sac, which produces a volatile liquid. An array of solar panels line the top of its back.

Abilities
Like all machines, with the exception of the Tallneck, Snapmaws attack humans on sight. They seem to obtain electrical energy via the array of solar panels on their backs, presumably by sunning themselves on the banks and shores where they dwell, just like a crocodile would do to warm itself. Normally Snapmaws bask lazily in the sun on the banks of lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water, purifying the water and the soil at the bottom by destroying toxins and removing minerals as per their purpose. However, when attacking, Snapmaws move with great speed. A Snapmaw employs both ranged Freeze attacks and melee attacks.