Glowspot Eelcat

The Glowspot Eelcat is a large, long-bodied freshwater fish found in calm, deep waters across temperate regions. Its form resembles a cross between a catfish and an eel - with a round flat head and fused fins that taper into a smooth ribbonlike tail. The front half is thick and muscular, while the rear is more flexible, allowing it to glide with minimal effort along the bottom of lakes and slow rivers.

Its skin is thick and very rough to the touch. This species of eelcat is often dark in color; muddy greens, murky browns, or charcoal black.Typically any color that blends easily with the mud and algae it lives amongst. A defining feature of the glowspot eelcat is the spotted pattern that runs the length of its body, loosely resembling the coat of a feline. Some of these spots contain bioluminescent patches, which can glow faintly in shades of green, blue, or orange. The intensity and color of this glow vary between individuals and are used primarily for communication during mating seasons or territorial displays.

Two to four sensory whiskers extend from either side of the mouth, one whisker on each side tipped with a glowing bulb. These whiskers can detect vibration, pressure, and temperature changes in the water and are used like antennae when navigating tight, rocky spaces. The eyes are small and set higher on the head than most fish, allowing the eelcat to watch upward for prey while remaining pressed to the waterbed.

Glowspot eelcats are ambush predators that eat infrequently. They eat infrequently but make sure each meal is worth the struggle. Most prey will be swallowed whole or torn in half with violent jerks. Eelcat diets includes fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and occasionally small mammals or birds that linger too long at the water’s edge. Once fed, they may go dormant for days or weeks, wedging themselves into underwater crevices or lying half-buried in silt.

They are a relatively common species in swamps and murky waters. Slow to mature and highly territorial, glowspot eelcats are not seen in groups outside of mating seasons. Their preference for still, deep water means they are often missed by casual observers, though older faunid communities may know their presence by the soft underwater glows seen on moonless nights.

Glowspot eelcats are important apex predators in their ecosystems. They help control populations of other large aquatic species and contribute to nutrient cycling when they shed skin or die and decay on the lake floor. 

Glowspot eels are a relatively common catch in areas like Necmir and surrounding areas. While not eaten by faunids, they are consumed by pescitarian corrupts who have nothing else in their net. Because of their habitat, eelcats are not the tastiest fish and must be heavily seasoned or fried. Some say that even after you finish eating an eelcat, you’ll be burping up mud for days.

Concept by Goryteeth, Rendering by Necrologia, Info by Deertush.