Nisaal (N-ee-s-uh-l)
Basic Information
Anatomy
Nisaals are extremely small crustaceans that inhabit many water worlds. Their long bodies are covered by a jointed exoskeleton with little hair-like spikes running down their length. Their front fins are used for guiding them through the water and they have two antennae protruding from their heads that act as receptors for picking up pheromone signals released by others of their kind which they use to coordinate their schools. Up to over a billion Nisaals can be in a single school, making it appear as if a massive red cloud were floating through the ocean. When they spread out however, it becomes very hard to detect them, which has been the cause of some serious issues as they can cause damage to sensitive equipment or engines in ships or boats that inadvertently pass through a school.
Genetics and Reproduction
Nisaals reproduce very rapidly, carrying 2-6 eggs under their front fins until they hatch into new Nisaals fully capable of keeping up with the parent school.
Dietary Needs and Habits
These creatures feed off of algae and other microorganisms in ocean water.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
These animals are edible and industries do exist to harvest them for food, some even choosing to eat large quantities of them alive like a living soup. Nisaals from Isotakasa are not considered edible however, due to pollutants in the water from both machinery and the local Myrthalla population excreting their ink into the water in many areas.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
These creatures were first found on Pendoreldia and are now considered an invasive species as it is very easy to unknowingly transfer this creature to new environments on any ship that transports items that have come into contact with sea water. This has lead to nearly every water world having a large population of Nisaals. Because of this, the Atalanti Republic has taken to introducing Wingfish to contaminated plates to help take care of the infestation as they are the Nisaals most prolific predator.
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