Mudfish

About

Common Names

Mudfish

Mudfish are a bottom dwelling fish found in mostly fresh water, marshes and wetlands.

Description

Classification

Fish

Size

Varies significantly between varieties, typically under 1 meter in length and below 10 kilograms in weight. Some much larger sub-species exist.

Appearance

Smooth bodied with a largish head, these fish have an array of feeler appendages around their mouths.

Sexual dimorphism

No significant differences.

Variance

A wide number of varieties exist, generally notable difference include size, shape of their head, colour and patterning, and number of barbels near their mouths.

Ecology

Habitat

Tropical through temperate rivers, swamps, and marshes. Some salt tolerant sub-species may be found in mangroves or tidal estuaries.

Diet

Their diet tends to crustaceans and other aquatic bottom dwelling animals, but they are opportunistic hunters and will also eat water birds, and amphibians when given the chance.

Behaviour

Social grouping

Smaller sized sub-species may exhibit some schooling behaviour but proximity is usually coincidental.

Temperament

Wary towards non-prey, aggressive towards prey animals.

Intelligence

Animal

Reproduction

Mudfish will collect small pebbles and build shallow gravel beds for spawning. These spawning nests provide protection for many of the eggs before hatching both from predators and from silt and mud.

Notable Sub-Species

Great Mudfish

These monstrous creatures can reach up to 4 m in length and weigh in at 300-400 kg. Found only in the larger river systems and lakes, which can accommodate their size, and appetites.

Red Tailed Mudfish

A typical species of mudfish, weighing in at about 3-4 kg, and a length of under 1 m. The tail fin of this species has a distinctive red tinge. This particular mudfish is considered lucky, and sometimes are kept in garden ponds amongst the nobility as such.

Domestication

General

Many varieties of mudfish have found domestic use both as a food stock, and as a pest control in wetland agricultural practices.

Resources

Meat.