Common Features in the Nightlight Zone

The Nightlight Zone contains numerous quirks that separate it from the surface world's oceans, or various other aspects that deserve elaboration, which have been attempted to be explained in here.

One of the defining features of the Nightlight Zone is the fact that most of the inhabitants display bioluminescence, mostly in their eyes. This feature is especially notable considering that most vertebrates do not display bioluminescence. However, it has been proven to be an adaptation to help the creatures see in the dark, with the glow only being a side effect of their eyes becoming adapted for the darkness. It is thought that these creatures' visions appear similar to night vision technology developed by humans, rendering them effectively colorblind.

Despite this, some species, such as the Lathradon, change the color of their skin to camouflage themselves against their surroundings. It seems instead of color, they rely on their skin matching the texture of their surroundings in order to blend in, otherwise their chromatophores would be useless. Megafin Squid also use light and color when attempting to hypnotize prey, but it is possible their glowing patches of skin create a different type of disorienting effect, that works even on colorblind prey.

Another species affected by this type of vision are the Cave Stalkers, which rely on well-developed sight to make artwork. Because they are also colorblind, they have to carve drawings into stone with small tools, rather than making dyes and painting them on the walls. For this reason, they are more likely to make 3D sculptures from small rocks and wooden chunks, instead of 2D paintings. Their clothing also lacks complex patterns, relying more on shape to catch someone's eye.

Special Mutations

While evolution does not exist in the Nightlight Zone, there are some lifeforms found that exhibit traits found nowhere else in their species. They include excessive growth, stunted growth, bioluminescence everywhere on the body, asymmetrical features, excessive amount of eyes, underdeveloped fins, and many others. Some traits include uncoordinated abilities, normally not seen in the rest of the species. These oddities function similar to genetic mutations in the surface world, which leads to the belief that DNA is present in these species. Although, considering the origins of the Nightlight Zone are likely supernatural in nature, it's more likely that these occurrences only appear similar to genetic mutations.

Spread of Environments

The various biomes in the Nightlight Zone are only roughly divided into the zones that they are. In reality, there are small transitionary areas in between each of the main zones, in which species from different environments can interact. This interaction is what creates places such as the leviathan remains on the border of the Arid Dunes. There are also several unique species found in these areas, but they consist of extremely simple creatures and plants, and they are too numerous to keep track of.