Aldren

The Aldren is a small, shimmering silver fish known for its agility and speed in the fast-flowing rivers of Helerin. Despite its small size, the Aldren plays a significant role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems across the archipelago.

Physical Appearance

Aldren are sleek, silver fish with a faint blue stripe running down their sides. They measure no more than a few inches in length, with a streamlined body that allows them to dart through water with ease. Their silvery scales give off a radiant shimmer when caught in sunlight, making them highly visible in clear river waters.

Habitat

Aldren are found in the fast-flowing rivers that course through the Helerin Archipelago. They thrive in rocky streams with cool, clean water, where they can quickly evade predators. These fish prefer habitats with plenty of cover, such as submerged rocks or vegetation, which provide shelter from larger aquatic predators.

Behaviour

Aldren are highly social fish, living in large schools that move in synchrony to avoid predators. They are known for their jittery, skittish behavior, darting away at the slightest disturbance. Their speed and agility allow them to feed on small insects and larvae that fall into the water. The Aldren are constantly in motion, and their schooling behavior helps reduce the risk of being picked off by predators.

Geographic Distribution

Aldren are widespread across the rivers of Helerin, found in nearly every region with fast-moving streams. They are particularly abundant in the mountainous and forested regions of Forbin and Remon, where clean, swift waters provide the ideal environment for them to thrive. They are also present in the rivers of Teros, Mar Mabon, and Mar Miskun, though they are less common in these regions.

Interaction with People

While too small to be a significant source of food for people, Aldren play an essential role in the local ecosystem, serving as prey for larger fish and water birds. Fishers and river-dwelling communities appreciate their presence, as the Aldren help sustain the health of rivers by controlling insect populations. Though they are rarely targeted for fishing, Aldren are sometimes caught by children or for sport. They are also occasionally used as bait for catching larger predatory fish.