Probefish

The Probefish is a small herbivorous creature living mainly in the densely populated regions of the Forests. They are fast swimmers, largely relying on speed more than anything to survive danger, though there have been some recorded instances of these creatures sparring with each other.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Probefish have long very slender bodies with angular shaped fins. Their tail fins are larger on the underside of the tail, and their dorsal fin only takes up a tenth of their body length. Their heads are round, and consist of four large eyes, as well as a long bony proboscis containing a tongue through which they feed.

Genetics and Reproduction

Probefish interact with plenty of members of their species within their lifetimes, and as such will attempt to mate as often as they can. They often choose mates based on kindness and their ability to find their main food sources. The parents will lay their eggs in hastily-made nests of discarded foliage from around their environment, with some making nests near dense groupings of their food, providing a stable food source for the newborns. The parents then leave each other to feed themselves, unable to find their nests again due to their poor memory.

Growth Rate & Stages

Baby Probefish will stick close their siblings for their entire youth, spending their time hiding amongst the foliage on the forest floor. They appear much pudgier than the adults, and they won't be able to detect their food nearly as well. As these creatures age, they'll begin to learn to fend for themselves, and slowly drift apart from their siblings. When they grow into adults, some siblings may still stick together for a short while, while others will begin solitary lives.

Ecology and Habitats

Probefish live in the Forests, and favor swimming through more dense populations of kelp, where their food and nearby hiding places reside. They'll briefly hide under any foliage they can, and tend to avoid groupings of larger creatures. They constantly watch their backs when feeding by shifting around in place, often fleeing at the mere sight of any larger creature nearby.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Probefish will eat algae, and Red-Tip Kelp, but their favorite food is the Nightlight Pod. They are known for dispersing the pods' seeds all over the forest floor by consuming them, more so than the Green Rays, able to reach far down into the plant's fleshy cavity where the seeds are kept. Occasionally, if more than one Probefish are in the same feeding area, a duel can break out over who gets a meal, especially if one is truly desperate. They attempt to jab at each other with the pointed end of their proboscises, though they don't deal a lot of damage.

Biological Cycle

Probefish beaks will get worn down over time, and they'll periodically sharpen them on rocks so they'll be able to pierce plant skin better. 

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The Probefish's sense of smell is its greatest strength, and is stronger than its sight in most cases, able to track a plethora of different scents. Its hearing however, is much less perceptive, and cause difficulties for the Probefish when attempting to hear threats from behind.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Its main food sources, the Red-Tip Kelp and Nightlight Pod, are often dependent on this creature for their reproduction, as its keen senses allow it to locate them better than the other creatures that simultaneously feed on them. These plants' scents also seem to be distinct among the other plants of the Forests, only strengthening the bond.

Scientific Name

Microkathetir averso

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Weight

200 lbs.

Average Length

4 ft.

Average Physique

Slender

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Pale green skin with brown-green markings, glowing green eyes

Geographic Distribution

• The Kelp Forests

Average Intelligence
Low