STARFISHER SUBTYPE - MUDSKIPPER

These Fishers are generally found in the swamps and wetlands of Jo’Arca, and unlike their ocean dwelling cousins, they can be easily found spending their lives in the water, or above land. This is thanks to the sticky oils and mucus their skin naturally produces, protecting their otherwise sun-sensitive flesh from drying out and burning. They are entirely amphibious, but they usually prefer fresh or brackish waters to making their homes in salty oceans. Not by necessity, simply preference.

The largest populations of Mudskipper fishers reside within the fertile lowlands of Oriens and the Ardilla Swamp of northern Vesper. Some more colorful variations can be found deep within the Casian rain forest. Few have ventured south to the Silver peninsula and crest falls since it is several weeks travel by ocean current and otherwise means crossing the arid desert of Sicco Glutture, but the few that do make their home in the south are assuredly tough as nails, a bit of a stark contrast with the paradise oasis city most make the Crest Falls out to be.

Rumor has it it was Helgin who had his hand in creating this subtype, however unlike the stereotypical assumption most have towards the God’s handiwork, these Fishers typically move away from not only the frightening portrayal of Robbers, but also their own Fisher cousins. Mudskipper Fishers are very playful and friendly… and also very loud. They’re both extremely chatty, and lean towards the noise making portions of music- like using instruments, while their ocean cousins prefer singing. Additionally, they have fatty pouches on their cheeks that can extend out when filled with air, often times co-occurring with a croaking sound. Other noises of choice include gator croaks, and 33 screaming frogs.

They’re not the best neighbors, with that taken into consideration. Mudskipper Fishers are mostly nocturnal, and they don’t consider that… maybe everyone else isn’t, and maybe everyone else isn’t a fan of their musical choices.

Mudskippers tend to have flatter flaps and fins with fewer rigid bones. Sometimes their whiskers grow in threes, like a catfish.Their tails are generally more mudfish and amphibian themed. The most notable differences are their mucous skin, cheek pouches, and large sticky paw like forearms.

A common hobby or profession among mudskippers is the development and sale of potions, medicines, and poisons. Their natural resistance to many poisonous plants make them perfect candidates for picking and growing exotic flora in lush wetlands.

Female mudskippers enjoy picking extravagant rain forest flowers or water lilies and other swamp flowers for their hair.
Mudkipper cuisine is a bit…...eccentric. Some having long extending tongues for catching bugs and small fish and all sorts of things found in the mud. Their strong stomachs can handle digesting semi poisonous fungi and creatures. They’re omnivores to, some say, an alarming degree.

Adaptations include being fully amphibious, resistant to poisons, croaky noises, and sticky feet.