Water-World Fish

These fish are long and slender, with a heavy ridge of spines running along the backbone and scales of white or dark blond. They make their own light through bioluminescence. They are found only in the seas of one ocean-covered world, though similar species haunt the deepest waters elsewhere.

Fresh meat brings an instant attack. Rather than wait for prey to die, each fish bites to rip off a chunk and gulp it down, so every bite leaves a bleeding wound that costs the victim 1 extra point per round until it is bandaged.

The taste or smell of blood sends them into a frenzy like that of piranha or barracuda. They crowd to wherever the blood runs thickest, tear at every open wound, and often bite each other in the chaos. When the first attack comes, 2d4 fish are close by; every six rounds afterward another 2d10 arrive.

Young fish swim in schools, which keeps them alive and lets them learn survival together. Once they can look after themselves, at 1-1 Hit Dice, they go off alone until breeding time. They hold no territory, though one will defend a meal too small to share.

Breeding begins at six to eight months, and the fish live about three years. A male stays at his mate's side guarding her from any threat, real or imagined, until she spawns; then the pair part forever, and each finds a new partner next time. Eggs are laid in strings up to 50 feet long, each holding more than 1,000, tucked into cracks and holes in rock. Few hatch and fewer grow up: out of one adult's 1,000 eggs, only about 12 live to breed.

They are omnivores that never stop eating. Their favorite food is a fresh kill; failing that they take old carrion, and only after that the sponges, algae, fungus and other plant life of their seas.