The Teydeh is a medium-sized, silver flatfish known for its excellent camouflage abilities and docile nature. Found in shallow coastal waters throughout Helerin, particularly around rocks, reefs, and river mouths, the Teydeh is prized for its tender meat. Its flat body allows it to blend seamlessly into the sandy ocean floor, making it a frequent target for spear fishermen who value its delicate flavor.
Physical Appearance
The Teydeh grows up to two feet in length, with a flat, disc-like body covered in silver scales that shimmer faintly in the sunlight. Its underside is pale and smooth, while its upper side is textured to match the sandy and rocky seabeds where it resides. The fish’s small, rounded fins are positioned along the edges of its body, allowing it to glide effortlessly across the ocean floor. Its ability to remain nearly invisible against the sand and rocks makes it difficult to spot without a sharp eye.
Habitat
Teydeh are found in shallow coastal waters, particularly around rocky reefs, river mouths, and sandy seabeds. They thrive in calm, warm waters, where they can rest camouflaged against the ocean floor, waiting for small crustaceans and invertebrates to pass by. These fish are commonly found near the coasts of Forbin and Mar Miskun, as well as in sheltered bays throughout the archipelago.
Behaviour
The Teydeh is a docile, bottom-dwelling fish that spends most of its life resting motionless on the ocean floor, blending in with its surroundings. It feeds on small crustaceans and worms that it detects with its sensitive, flattened body. The Teydeh is not a fast swimmer and relies on its camouflage for protection rather than fleeing from predators. During mating season, these fish move to slightly deeper waters, where they lay their eggs in the sand.
Geographic Distribution
The Teydeh is common in shallow coastal regions of Helerin, particularly around Forbin, Mar Miskun, and the sheltered bays of the Seynan Islands. They prefer areas with a mixture of sandy seabeds and rocky outcrops, where they can hide easily from predators and human activity. Their presence is most notable in areas with calm, warm water, where they thrive undisturbed.
Interaction with People
The Teydeh is a frequent and prized catch for coastal fishers, particularly spear fishermen who rely on sharp eyes and steady hands to spot the camouflaged fish against the sandy seabed. Its tender, delicate meat makes it a popular dish in coastal communities, where it is often grilled or baked with simple seasonings to highlight its natural flavor. Despite its abundance, catching a well-hidden Teydeh is considered a mark of skill among fishers.
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