Blueshine
The Blueshine fish, or Blueshine Carp, is a large and elusive fish native to the northern rivers of Llewyn, and the northern waters of the Gwayffon ocean. The Blueshine can live in both fresh and saltwater and does at several points during its life. The youngest and smallest are typically found in the Wisgi and Gwi rivers, though adults can be found during breeding season, as the Blueshine returns to these rivers to lay their eggs. Blueshine eggs are considered a delicacy, which has led to overharvesting of Blueshine eggs, leading to a decreased population of the fish. Most Blueshine are caught during this time, but are still extremely difficult to catch, and even the smallest fish is a trophy. The Blueshine is so perceptive, and so clever, that the average fisher has no chance of catching one. The largest examples of the Blueshine are found in the ice floes of the Gwayffon, and it is extremely perilous to fish there. Only the most experience and hardened sailors should consider it.
The Riverwood family of Dwarves from the Wisgi area gained some notoriety for being adept at catching the Blueshine, though their method is a closely guarded secret.
The Blueshine is an extremely striking and beautiful fish growing extremely large and glowing with a sapphire-like bioluminescence, with flecks of silver in their scales. It is said that a fully grown Blueshine observed in the moonlight, can bring even the most hardened person to tears. The Blueshine prefers to stay in deeper waters, but will occasionally come to the surface. There are many stories that say if a Blueshine will only approach a virtuous person. Needless to say, observing one in the wild, especially a larger example, is considered good luck.
The Riverwood family of Dwarves from the Wisgi area gained some notoriety for being adept at catching the Blueshine, though their method is a closely guarded secret.
The Blueshine is an extremely striking and beautiful fish growing extremely large and glowing with a sapphire-like bioluminescence, with flecks of silver in their scales. It is said that a fully grown Blueshine observed in the moonlight, can bring even the most hardened person to tears. The Blueshine prefers to stay in deeper waters, but will occasionally come to the surface. There are many stories that say if a Blueshine will only approach a virtuous person. Needless to say, observing one in the wild, especially a larger example, is considered good luck.
Basic Information
Anatomy
They are broadly described as being a luminescent blue color with flecks of silver, but a more precise source states that young fish are deep navy, but lighten and gain bioluminescence with maturity, until they reach maximum luminescence at about age 30, which is helpful for seeing in the dark depths of the ocean. If it were not for the striking color and prodigious size, a Blueshine would look very much like the Forellian Carp. A Blueshine under the age of 3 years generally ranges from 12-36 inches in length, and weighing around 11-28 lbs; but the largest and oldest Blueshine can reach lengths of up to 12 feet long, commonly reaching weights of up to 400 lbs, with the largest examples weighing up to 800 lbs.
Genetics and Reproduction
Blueshine are unique in that they travel in from the Gwayffon ocean to the northern rivers of Llewyn to lay their eggs as part of a mass migration during the summer, usually between the months of Afundi and Peth, though there are some stragglers that make their way during Cynhae. Fish older that 40 are past breeding age, and head north towards the ice floes to live out the remainder of their lives.
Growth Rate & Stages
Blueshine move to different types of habitats during their growth process. When they are newly spawned, Blueshine settle over in benthic areas of freshwater rivers. Below age 1, the Blueshine move to low-relief habitats for food and cover; moving outside of rivers and settling near coastlines. If available, oyster shell beds are preferred. The second stage is when these fish outgrow low-relief habitats and move to intermediate-relief habitats as age 1 Blueshine leave to move on to another growth stage. Next, at about age 2, Blueshine seek high-relief reefs having low densities of Blueshine Next, at platforms, smaller Blueshine occupy the upper water column. Then, the larger, older Blueshine occupy the deeper areas of the platforms and large benthic reefs and they prevent smaller fish from using these habitats.
A Blueshine attains sexual maturity at two to five years old, and an adult can live for more than 50 years. Research from 1235-1238 suggested the populations of Blueshine originating from the Gwi river reach maturity faster and at a smaller size than populations originating from the Wisgi.
Ecology and Habitats
The Blueshine fish can survive in both freshwater and saltwater. Endemic to the northern rivers of Llewyn, Blueshine will lay their eggs in the shall riverbeds and hatchlings will slowly move out to the Gwayffon ocean near the coast, which the oldest and largest living in the ice floes to the north. The Blueshine fish thrives in colder climates.
Dietary Needs and Habits
The Blueshine is an omnivorous fish, feeding both off of fresh and saltwater algae, sea weed, and as is often the case for 1-5 year old examples, oysters and clams, which they eat by waiting patiently for a shellfish to open up naturally, and swooping in from above. Larger and older Blueshine will hunt smaller fish as well.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Blueshine meat and roe are both considered delicacies, which has led to overharvesting of Blueshine eggs. Blueshine meat itself is hard to come by due to both the elusive nature of the fish itself, and the declining population.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
The Blueshine is most often found in the Gwi and Wisgi rivers, and along the northeastern coast of Llewyn while young, and in the ice floes of the Gwayffon as they age.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Blueshine fish have an extraordinary organ in their heads that allows them to sense vibrations in the water acutely. As a consequence, the fish is considered very elusive. If a Blueshine feels larger vibrations in the water, either due to a predator or a boat, the Blueshine will retreat to the deepest waters. Even trawling is ineffective, as the Blueshine is good at finding hiding spots, and once again owing to this acute sense, will often rocket to the surface and jump the net, usually at a safe distance from the boat dragging the net; though a skilled fisherperson may be able to harpoon a Blueshine.
Scientific Name
Carp Disglair
Lifespan
50-75 years
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Average Weight
<3 years old ranges from 11-28lbs. Fish >30 commonly reach 350-400 lbs.
Average Length
<3 years old ranges from 12-36 inches. Fish >30 years old can grow up to 10-12 feet long.
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Luminescent sapphire blue with flecks of silver when grown. Young fish are deep navy, but lighten and gradually become bioluminescent with maturity, until they reach maximum luminescence at about age 30.
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments