Dergam

The Dergam is a sleek, narrow fish that thrives in the fast-moving waters of the Mabon Channel and the Straits of Charthol. Known for its agility and ability to navigate turbulent currents, the Dergam is a common sight in coastal communities, where its tender flesh is highly valued. These fish are often caught in large quantities and preserved for long-term storage, making them a staple in diets along the swift waterways of Helerin.

Physical Appearance

Dergams are slender, with striking white bodies that stand out against the dark, churning waters they inhabit. They typically grow to about one foot in length, with long, pointed fins that help them cut through fast currents with ease. Their streamlined form allows them to swim with precision in even the most turbulent waters, darting through schools of smaller fish and avoiding predators.

Habitat

Dergam are found in the fast currents of the Mabon Channel and the Straits of Charthol, two of the most treacherous water passages in Helerin. They prefer the cooler, oxygen-rich waters of these regions, where the strong currents provide both protection from larger predators and a steady supply of food. These fish are rarely found in calm waters, as they rely on swift currents to maintain their agility and stamina.

Behaviour

Dergam form large, tightly-knit shoals, using their numbers and speed to avoid predators and hunt smaller fish and plankton. Their ability to dart through fast-moving waters with precision makes them highly effective hunters in their environment. During breeding season, Dergams migrate in massive shoals to specific parts of the channel, where they lay their eggs in sheltered rocky crevices before returning to the faster waters.

Geographic Distribution

The Dergam is primarily found in the Mabon Channel and the Straits of Charthol, where their large shoals can often be seen from coastal cliffs or ships passing through these regions. While their range is confined to these fast-moving waters, they are abundant in these areas and play a crucial role in local fishing economies.

Interaction with People

Dergam are fished extensively by coastal communities, where their tender flesh is prized for its flavor and ease of preservation. They are typically caught in large quantities using nets designed for the swift currents, and their meat is often dried or salted for long-term storage. In regions where fresh fish is scarce, Dergam serves as an essential food source, especially during long winters or periods of rough seas.