Carrionpike

The Carrionpike, sometimes known as the Cadaver Fish, is a species of fish endemic in the Red Elwynn below Shirekeep, that, as its name suggests, subsists on a steady diet of decaying organic matter deposited into the river. It is also known to be greedily carnivorous and an ambush predator, capable of dragging animals and children, far in excess of its own size, down into the depths.

Taxonomy

The Carrionpike as a species belongs to the kingdom Animalia. It is a member of the phylum Chordata, class Actinopterygii, order Esociformes, and family Esocidae.

Characteristics

The Carrionpike is a large fish with a long, slender body and a flat, pointed head. At its largest observed size it grow to the length of a half-riq. It is typically a dull grey colour with mottled patterns on its scales, which helps it blend in with the riverbed and ambush its prey. It has small, sharp teeth and large, fan-shaped pectoral fins that it uses to swim quickly and maneuver in the water.

One of the most striking physical characteristics of the Carrionpike is its large, protruding eyes, which give it excellent vision and help it spot prey from a distance. It also has a long, whip-like tail that it uses to propel itself through the water and stun its prey. Overall, the Carrionpike is a formidable predator that is well-adapted to its riverine environment.

Breeding cycle

The Carrionpike has a unique breeding cycle that involves a complex courtship ritual. During the mating season, male Carrionpike will gather in large groups and perform elaborate displays to attract potential mates. This includes flaring their gills, displaying brightly colored patterns on their scales, and engaging in mock battles with other males.

Once a female has been impressed by a male's display, she will lay a batch of eggs in a secluded area of the river. The male will then fertilize the eggs and guard them until they hatch. The hatchlings are tiny and extremely vulnerable, so the male will continue to protect them for several weeks until they are able to fend for themselves.

Once the young Carrionpike have reached a sufficient size and strength, they will disperse from the breeding area and begin hunting on their own. The cycle will then repeat the following mating season.