Mudago

Lurking in the waters of the Azure Lagoon, the only fresh water lake in the Underdark, is this hardy fish. The Mudago, despite not being an edible food source, is still an important species that a small group of biologists raise and farm in the village of Dirabi. The first specimens were discovered in the year 212, but their usefulness wasn't realized until ten years afterwards.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Mudago is a bulky, "armored" fish with thick scales and a lot of bones. It has three fins on either side of the body with a wide, blunt, rounded tail fin. Its dorsal fins have many spines.

Genetics and Reproduction

They are egg laying fish. Female Mudago find hidden caves to lay their eggs in after picking a mate, who then fertilizes them once laid. Eggs are typically laid during the first two months of the year and take ten months to hatch. Mudago often share cave space as long as there's enough room without nests overlapping and take turns guarding the entrance.

Growth Rate & Stages

After hatching, baby Mudago spend their first year in their nest cave, gradually leaving for short trips with parents towards the end of that year. Once large enough they venture out and begin living on their own. Young Mudago are often seen swimming directly under one of their parents until they feel safe enough to travel alone. It takes five years for them to reach maturity, but continue growing throughout their lives as long as space and food sources allow.

Ecology and Habitats

Mudago thrive in the cool waters of Azure Lagoon and will stress out if temperatures ever grow too hot. Even though the Drow pride themselves in keeping the water clean and thriving, these hardy fish are able to survive in most conditions not related to temperature. They need access to ample cave space for breeding and enough food to support growth.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Mudago are carnivorous. They feed off of small crustaceans and scavenge on dead fish their parents bring them when young. When they're large enough they'll hunt on their own and feed on any creature that will fit in their mouth. They have razor sharp teeth to pierce most fish scales and shells.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Mudago are bred primarily for the special algae that grows on their scales over time. Authorized handlers observe specimens and temporarily section "ready" adults to gently scrape off the algae before releasing them once more. This algae is used in multiple pharmaceuticals. They are not willingly killed, but any found dead from old age or other means are collected to have their thick scales and strong bones collected to be used in scale mail and jewelry. Their meat is not edible and any leftover are thrown back to the lagoon to feed other fishes.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

They are only located in the Azure Lagoon and have not been discovered anywhere else.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Mudago are light sensitive and can only see clearly in dark water. Although their eyes can still only make out basic shapes and various shades of grey. To help them navigate, they emit a low hum as a form of echolocation.

Lifespan

200 years

Conservation Status

Mudago are protected from greedy poachers who wish to over fish their population for their valuable goods. Peace officers from Agi's Scales are stationed in Dirabi and take turns patrolling the lagoon.