Levitating Glowblob Fish

Size: 2 inch, spherical

Color: Varies depending upon temperature

Habitat: Fresh-water temperate regions

Defenses: 1/2 inch long spikes, non-poisonous

Abilities: Levitation, breath air, bioluminescence

   Levitating Glowblob fish were the first alien species human scouts from the Thelian Dawn encountered when they started exploring the planet that would become their new home.  The scouts had spotted a stream near their landing site and were shocked to find dozens of small, teal-colored globes hovering in the air over the water. Upon closer look they discovered these globes were fish living in the stream and had risen into the air to apparently sun themselves.

   Glowblob fish are roughly spherical in shape being the same width and length. They can grow to a 2-inch diameter, with an additional inch diameter added when they feel threatened and project protective spikes over their entire body. Glowblob colors vary based on water temperature, ranging from a dark purple in cooler waters to a bright lime green in warmer waters. Their colors can further change when they hover in sunlight, warming themselves to a golden orange tone before returning to the water. Though it isn’t apparent in sunlight, glowblobs emit a soft green glow.

   Glowblob fish are not an aggressive species but will defend themselves if they feel threatened. They can project 1/2 inch long spikes from their bodies in all directions, making them look somewhat like floating versions of Earth’s sea urchins. Glowblobs can fire these spikes as an added deterrent against larger attackers. Launched spikes can be regrown in 1-2 days. Glowblob spikes are not poisonous, but can be quite sharp depending on the age of the spikes. They are a communal fish, taking cues from one another, and so if one glowblob feels threatened, all glowblobs in the area will reveal – and potentially fire – their spikes.

   Glowblobs are herbivores and their physiology is extremely efficient. They are considered an ideal pet because they produce practically no waste. Once a suitable glowblob aquarium is set-up, it requires little in the way of maintenance.  Suitable glowblob aquariums include enough space for 3-5 fish (glowblobs will be unhappy if they do not have a few companions), a pump to circulate water, at least two meters of clearance over the top of the aquarium (to allow for hovering), and suitable food plants. With proper care, glowblobs can live ten years or longer.

   Care should be taken to limit glowblob exposure to any items made with or containing hermodric stone as it has been noted glowblob fish become far more energetic and glow more brightly when exposed to such stones. For a brief time luxury glowblob aquariums were made with hermodric stone bases, but these were quickly banned once it was discovered such constant exposure to hermodric stones cut glowblob life expectancy in half.