Skyfish

It is well known that the event spell the triggered the The Great Darkening twisted some creatures terribly.  Occasionally, however, some creatures were changed in ways that made them more beautiful than before.  The Skyfish are one example of this.
Skyfish are exactly what you would expect them to be, fish that fly instead of swim. They are endowed with great rainbow-colored fans extending from their fins, which magically allow them to float in the sky as if they are leisurely swimming.  The effect is of a medium-sized fish surrounded by silky looking rainbow colors as they "swim" through the sky.  They are rare because they are easily spotted by predators both from the water and from the sky, as well as hunted by magic users for spell components.
Skyfish are considered good luck, because they are only spotted when the weather is mild and there are no predators nearby.  Some sailors believe it is bad luck to kill flying fish, and while this is not true, finding sailors willing to let a mage hunt them can be a problem.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Multicolored membranes extend from the fins of these fish.  The fish themselves are fully mature at about 18 inches long, not including the extensive tails.

Genetics and Reproduction

Eggs are laid on surface flotsam and hatch out at sea.

Growth Rate & Stages

Hatching out at sea and maturing there, they develop the rainbow fins when they reach sexual maturity.  They then spend most of their time in the sky.

Ecology and Habitats

Skyfish prefer shallow oceans and tidal pools with few predators nearby. Shallow waters allow them to avoid predators from either the sky or water while feeding.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They feed from algae, plankton and small shellfish at the bottom of shallow areas.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The fins are used for spell components of mages for flying and other related spell.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Warm tropical waters.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Excellent eyesight for looking for predators.

"Sure you can see them in places all around the world but they seem to love the Lucca Cays best.  Something about the warm shallow water just does it for them.  It makes it a joy to sail here on a good day!"
~Anonymous Sailor

Scientific Name

Arcus Piscis

Origin/Ancestry

Twisted by the Great Darkening into a rare and beautiful species

Average Length

18 inches from base of the tail to nose.