Delta Eel

Biological Overview

Physicality

The Delta Eel is a staple of the waterways of the Upper Vestral Downs. In some places making up half of the local biomass, these fish are an ever-present sight in Etan's Stream, its tributaries, and the Ria Delta. These snake-like creatures live for around 10-15 years, and begin appearing in Anharan waterways around the age of 3.
The 3 year old eels are known as crystal eels as they approach the Anharan coast, due to their translucent appearance, which has led to the belief that they originate in the Sea of Crystal. Once they arrive, the crystal eels grow into yellow eels, a 10 year long stage, during which they finish growing to their full length.

"In the far reaches of the frozen north, beyond the borders of civilized society, lies a writhing island. This land, Sicia, is the alleged birthplace of all eels, to which they return to mate and reproduce, according to the few sailors who say they have spotted it." - Isidor of Eteau, Bestiary Isidori

While yellow eels are the most common, silver eels are most sought after. This late-stage eel is ready to migrate back out to sea to reproduce, and has begun dissolving its organs, surviving on stored fat alone. Catching these eels as they escape Three Island Bay is an important industry, as the low levels of fat remaining make the eels an easy-to-prepare delicacy.

Magnetism

One unique feature of the Delta Eel is its ability to always know how to swim north. This has led to the eels being trapped and used for navigational purposes, particularly on early whaling ships. Two theories compete to explain this phenomenon.
On the one hand, some believe this is due to the eel's biological desire to return north to mate. Thus, when trapped in a container, it will logically attempt to swim north, towards its home in the Sea of Crystal. Alternatively, some more recent academics believe the animal has an inherent ability to detect the magnetic currents of the world, and will follow them.

Migration

How eels reproduce is a mystery, but what is known is that the creatures must migrate north to mate at the end of their lifecycle. Therefore, every year, those in the Downs can witness the silver eels escaping through Three Island Bay and young yellow eels arriving. The predominant theory is that the eels come down from the Sea of Crystal, originating at a writhing mass of an island far in the frozen north.

"It is generally held to be bad luck amongst those of the Upper Vestral Downs, to witness a nocturnal migration of eels overland." - Isidor of Eteau, Bestiary Isidori

Eels work together to move upstream, especially in the often shallow and sediment-filled delta. Their great numbers and flexibility allow them to pile up to get over barriers in the water. The Delta Eels appear far outside the delta as well, traveling through wetlands during the night to reach lakes and far-flung streams.

Historical Overview

Eel Harvesting

While traditional nets may be used for scooping up heaps of migrating crystal eels in springtime, eel traps are most common. These were willow woven constructs laid in the river to snag migrating eels. Particularly ambitious eel fishers would lay lines of traps out across the width of the river, blocking traffic and inconveniencing local officials.
During the winter, when eels hibernate in the mud, people across the Rialands take up multi-pronged spears and head to their own hidden patches to grab tridents-full of eels. Particular to the Ria Delta, eels are also often scooped up by accident during the frequent dredgings of these silt-filled waterways, or in the many mills.

Eel Usage

Eels are most frequently used in the fish-focused cuisine of the Upper Downs. In the Age of Rule, during House Oeis' subjugation of House Etan, fish moved from not just being a major portion of the diet, but to a food with political connotation. To protest against House Oeis' rule, as they were known for their reliance on and export of cattle, the residents of the Upper Downs implemented days where only fish was eaten.
Eels were a major part of this, and popped up most commonly in stews, mixed with some combination of wild peppers, onions, crab apples, celery, carrots and nettles. In the Lower Downs, where eels, particularly Moray Eels, are also consumed, they are turned into a spicy stew or soup with wine or almond milk.
Eels are also often baked into bread, either loaves or pies, and served by street vendors. Vendors can also be seen in most cities and towns in the Downs serving eel stew in returnable bowls, or roasted eels right off of a cart.

Lifespan

10-15 years

Average Weight

8 lbs

Average Length

2 - 3.5 ft.

Geographic Distribution

• Etan's Stream
• Three Island Bay