River Lions
River Lions are a very common fish found throughout Dekarth. Despite their name, they're primarily ocean dwellers, but will swim upstream and into freshwater rivers during their spawning periods.
Basic Information
Anatomy
River Lions earn their name from a mane of long, fin-like protrusions that surround their massive mouths. These fins are loose and hang along them whenever they're swimming, and are typically used for camouflage when within the ocean. When in the ocean, River Lions have an entirely green colour that leaves their manes resembling kelp, allowing them to quickly ambush unsuspecting prey.
River Lions have a sharpened set of plating rather than teeth, on the interior of their massive lips. These are designed to help them crunch and crush through shells whenever they capture prey.
Ecology and Habitats
River Lions expressly rely on places that have a massive amount of kelp in order to survive and make use of their ambush tactics. They wouldn't be able to feed or survive without the kelp jungle that makes up the Dekarti coasts. They also require warmer waters for their spawning beds, making them a particularly sensitive animal that needs specific conditions.
Dietary Needs and Habits
River Lions are strictly carnivorous; they mostly feed upon urchins and crustaceans that wander too close to their perching, and will happily attack fish or anything that happens to wander close. This open hostility earns them a high spot on the food chain, but River Lions are often at odds with more dangerous and active predators; such as Bullfish.
Biological Cycle
During the summer, fully grown River Lions will swim upstream for a week long mating period where they form spawning beds within the waters. This leads to their scales changing colour as well, changing from seaweed green to a brightly coloured, multi-striped pattern coloring their body. Ironically enough, this allows the once ambush predator to stand out more so that they can identify other River Lions.
River Lions are frequently fished during this time, as they're easy to spot amidst the waters thanks to their bright colorations. Despite that, the vast amount of eggs they leave behind allow a massive batch of them to swim back downstream and return to the ocean.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
River Lions are fished whenever they swim upstream. They're often seen as somewhat of a delicacy due to them being only widely available through river fishing at a certain time of the year. River Lion roe is also often skimmed from the waters and is adored for its use as a garnish in various cuisines. It has a creamy consistency, and is often lightly salted to help add a savory taste behind it.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
A River Lion's mane of fins is best described as not just lures, but also 'feelers' that allow them to carefully detect anything that would attempt to graze on them. This allows them to swiftly snap back and react with a dangerous, devastating bite to crunch onto prey.
Average Weight
They can weigh up to 50 Pounds.
Average Length
Roughly between 3~4 feet at adulthood. (0.9~1.2 Meters)
Geographic Distribution
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