Dagon

"That makes three victims of a dagon attack. Gather the men and nets. It is time we relieve the lake of these monstrosities." - Unknown, possibly a local fisherman.

Dagons are a large, predatory species of fish that inhabit Ebena's large body of water. Those who favor swimming should be wary, as even the slightest splash or kick can lead to their murky doom.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Similar to some sharks, dagons possess two rows of triangular, serrated teeth. Skin colors range from black to light gray, with ocean-faring individuals taking on a bluer hue. They have a singular tail fin, alongside a pair of pectoral fins. Some individuals have been recorded with thick patches of bony armor forming on either side of the torso. They possess a square, blunt snout. Their noses are sensitive to sudden movements in the water. The gills are located, on average, three inches behind the eyes. They are capable of widening to expel prey material when feeding.

Genetics and Reproduction

Dagons reproduce through sexual reproduction between a male and female. Mothers give live birth to one to three young, which follow the mother for the first five months of their lives. Afterwards, they leave to thrive on their own. Gestation lasts for a period of ten months.

Growth Rate & Stages

Newborn dagons are nearly transparent in skin color, and reach full maturity after around twelve years of age. Skin darkens after the first few months of life. Dagon are born with a full set of teeth, with periodic replacements every three years.

Ecology and Habitats

Dagons are common inhabitants of both freshwater and saltwater bodies. They are slow-moving predators that contend with alligators and sharks for food. They prefer warmer climes, but can thrive in colder waters as well.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Dagons are carnivorous, with no particular diet. They consume anything that they can catch. Prey is hunted through the detection of their vibrations on the water's surface. Additionally, injured or slower fish are consumed as well. They have been known to drag prey items resting on the shore into the water.

Biological Cycle

During the winter months, dagons will grow increasingly sluggish.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Dagons possess no known form of social structure. Individuals only interact for reproductive purposes and rearing of the young.

Domestication

Dagons are too unintelligent to be tamed. Those with the means to do so may place younger dagons in aquariums or moats as guards and pets.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Dagon flesh is a fatty and red-colored meat. The teeth are used for decoration and making arrow heads. Their bony plates have a wide variety of potential uses, such as flutes, fertilizer, and is sometimes boiled into stew.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dagons can be found anywhere with a large enough body of water. Oceans and coastal waters are common locations, as are deep lakes and wide rivers. They are slower in colder environments, but otherwise behave the same.

Average Intelligence

As fish, dagons are largely unintelligent. They can easily be attracted by splashing or swimming in large bodies of water.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Dagons have an exceptional sense of smell and are sensitive to vibrations. Their vision is unremarkable among fish. Light taps on the water's surface are enough to entice a dagon's interest, but they quickly lose interest if the source is not constant.

Scientific Name

Dagon Aquaticus

Lifespan

Dagons live to a maximum of 10 years.

Conservation Status

Dagon are relatively common, if hardly seen due to their home environments. Local populations may be wiped out if the number of deaths they're responsible for are high.

Average Height

2 meters in height.

Average Weight

150 kg.

Average Length

5 meters in length

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Ocean-faring dagons have a blue hue, while freshwater are the standard black or light gray.