Gorlana

The Gorlana is a small but essential freshwater fish found in the rivers of Helerin. While too small to be worth catching for food, these fish play a vital role in the aquatic ecosystem as a source of prey for larger animals and fish. Their skittish nature and rapid movements make them fascinating to observe in the clear waters of the archipelago's rivers.

Physical Appearance

Gorlana are tiny, silver-scaled fish, rarely growing larger than a few inches in length. Their sleek bodies are streamlined for fast swimming, and their silver scales glimmer in the sunlight, creating a shimmering effect when they move in schools. Their small, agile bodies taper towards a thin, forked tail, which aids in their swift darting movements through the water.

Habitat

Gorlana are common in the rivers of Helerin, particularly in shallower areas with moderate currents. They thrive in a variety of environments, from the cool, clear waters of Remon and Forbin to the warmer, slower rivers of Mar Mabon. Gorlana prefer rivers with plentiful vegetation, where they can find both cover from predators and an abundance of food sources like small insects and algae.

Behaviour

Gorlana are highly skittish and quick to react to any disturbance in the water. They move in large, synchronized schools, darting in unison to avoid potential threats. Their jittery nature keeps them constantly on the move, and they scatter at the slightest sign of danger. Gorlana feed on tiny aquatic insects and algae, making them a crucial part of the river ecosystem, supporting the diets of larger predatory fish and birds.

Geographic Distribution

Gorlana can be found in rivers throughout the entire Helerin Archipelago, from the cooler northern rivers of Remon and Forbin to the more temperate waterways of Mar Mabon, Teros, and Mar Miskun. Though they are widespread, they are particularly abundant in the central regions of Helerin, where the rivers provide a mix of clear water and lush vegetation.

Interaction with People

While Gorlana are not fished for food due to their small size, they are nonetheless an important part of the river ecosystem. Their presence supports a wide variety of larger aquatic and avian predators, contributing to the overall health of the rivers in which they live. Fisherfolk often encounter Gorlana when casting nets for larger fish, and though they are usually thrown back, their role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem is well understood. In some regions, Gorlana are seen as a sign of a healthy river, and their shimmering schools are a welcome sight to those who live by the water.