Crochetier

Basic Information

Anatomy

Crochetiers are spotted fishes with a particular extra anatomy feature, starting by the middle of their length, two appendages looking like thin tentacles protudes out, these appendages finishes with sharp extension making it like primitive hook baits. These appendages are critical to the crochetier's hunting tactics:
If a crochetiers set his mark on a land-dwelling prey (either passing on water on nearby riverbeds, they will leap close to them just enough for their hooks to sink in their prey's flesh. With the momentum gained, the fish will fall back in the water and follow the current to drag the hooked victim underwater. Once the victim seems weakned or dead, they will then start feeding upon it.

This makes the job of riverside workers and fishermen more dangerous where they inhabit, since full grown crochetiers aren't afraid to try and hook humanoids down below.

Genetics and Reproduction

Crochetiers are mouthbrooders, which is a task done by the male. the incubation takes about 3 to 4 days. A female lay eggs about every 2 months.

Growth Rate & Stages

A crochetiers takes about 2 years to reach sexual maturity. The creation of appendages start after 4 months, once their appendages grew long enough for their parents to stop needing to care for them in matter of food supply.

Ecology and Habitats

Crochetier are found in freshwater habitats

Dietary Needs and Habits

Crochetiers are carnivorous. Most of their food comes from aquatic preys such as smaller fishes. Once they reach about a year of growth, depending on food abundance, they can become more agressive and set their preying upon land preys. by leaping and hooking them to drag them underwater to drown their next meal.

Additional Information

Social Structure

It is not uncommon for crochetier to eat smaller ones of their species when food becomes more scarce. the exercice is usually risky since they can leave harmed or dead depending of the outcome of the fight.

However, they are more than cooperative when multiple crochetiers detects a bigger land dwelling prey, such as a fisherman or deer passing by. When such a prey is killed by a school of crochetiers, the flesh usually remains not for long, especially if it's a time period where male crochetiers finishes mouthbrooding and now need to feast to regain their peak strength.

Facial characteristics

Crochetier posseses a pharyngal jaw along with their normal one.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Crochetiers, like most fishes, can perceive water current disturbances using their lateral line, but also see through their eyes. They perceive ultraviolet light.

Scientific Name

Piscis hamo

Lifespan

8 years

Average Weight

Average:14.5 kg record: 24.2 kg

Average Length

Average: 66 to 72 centimeters. The record for crochetier fishing is currently 126 centimeters.
The height doesn't include the appendages. which by themselves length about 1.0 to 1.4 meters in average

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Most crochetiers are muddy green. When reaching maturity, their scales tip will fade-out in a more carmine color for males, and more pink salmon for females.

Their appendages hooks color varies depending on the water's quality. Muddy water will give them a more brown-yellow tint and look more dirty, while clear water bodies will make them look whitened.