Fish Facts

If you are going Fishing on Carsis

Catfish

They are named for their prominent cat-like whiskers. They live in warm, shallow freshwater bodies, spending most of their time on the bottom. They have smooth skin not scales like most fish. Catfish range in size from 1 to 5 ft in length. They are a poor man’s food, as they lack flavor, or have a muddy taste. In several southern nations they are the major source of meat for the slaves.

Carp

They are widespread freshwater fish related to the common goldfish. Carp can grow to a maximum length of 5 ft and a weight of 80 lbs. Although they are very tolerant of most conditions, common carp prefer large bodies of calm water. They are an important food fish, and easy to breed in captivity. Harton is the only nation to make fish-farming a major part of its regular food production. Carp and bread provide the welfare food for the plebeians of the massive city. 

Cod fish

They prefer the cool salt waters of the northern coastal areas. Cod has an average weight is 15 lbs, but specimens weighing up to 200 lb have been recorded. They are a popular food fish with a mild flavor, low fat content and a dense white flesh that flakes easily. Salt cod is a common winter food in the north lands. Cod liver oil is important in the medical practice.  Cod feed on mollusks, crabs, starfish, and squid.

Bluefish

A delicious tasting small fish found in all Inner Ocean costal areas. They usually grow to a length of 1 ft and weight of 18 lbs. They tend to migrate from tropical to temperate waters. They prefer sandy bottom bays. Several nations have restricted the eating of Bluefish to the upper class only, a law which is seldom properly enforced.

Freshwater Eels

Called Anguilla, they breed in tidal areas but live in rivers. There are two main types, long-fin about 4 ft in length and short-fin about 3 ft in length. They are the common food of many fresh water fish. They reproduce in very large numbers, thus they can be a good food source for people along the lower river. However, their flavor is not very palatable. Davinshire –a small city state- has the only large scale eel-farming operation.

Haddock

They are salt water fish, which prefers deep cool off shore areas.  They average a weight of 15 lb, but specimens weighing up to 100 lb have been recorded. Fresh haddock has a fine white flesh and can be cooked in the same ways as cod. However it does not salt well, so it is usually smoked to preserve it.

  

Halibut

They are the largest of all flat fish, with an average weight of 30 lbs, but they can grow to be as much as 600 lbs. They prefer the cool coastal areas of the north. Halibut is a well liked food most plentiful in the fall spawning season. It is usually smoked to preserve it for winter use.

Mackerel

They live in tropical salt waters, but may be found in temperate areas during the summer. Most tend to be about 3 ft in length, but some can grow to twice that size. Mackerel are the favorite food of dolphins, whales and tuna-fish. Their meat is tasty but spoils quickly, causing serious food poisoning, thus they should be eaten the same day they are caught. 

Pike

They are predators, with a mean disposition, who hunt smaller fish and eels. They average 4 ft in lengthy and 50 lbs in weight. They live in freshwater lakes all over the north. In large lakes there have been pike of 100 lbs caught. Spear fishing for Pike is a test of manhood for the Clanic peoples.

Salmon

They are born in fresh water, migrate to the ocean, then return to fresh water to reproduce in spring. Lore has it that the fish return to the exact spot where they were born to spawn. They tend to be 3-4 ft long and weigh 30 lbs. Salmon are a flavorful fish, very popular on the tables of nobles and commoners alike. They are some times salted for shipping inland, but more often they are smoked.

Sardines

They are a small fish, about 6 inches long that live in large schools. Sardines are found in all seas, but mostly caught in the Inner Ocean. They are a common food for the poor and the army. Their own oil helps to preserve them, so they may be kept in cool conditions for quite a long while before going bad. However their small bones are annoying.

Soleidae 

Called Solea or Sole, is a type of flat-fish very common in coastal waters of the Inner Ocean. It averages about 2 ft in length and 10 lbs in weight. It has long been a major food, enjoyed for its subtle taste or as part of zesty soup.  It is the main ingredient in Pininthian sea food gumbo.    

Snappers

They come in several colors and are generally known as such. Warm water Snappers are usually red, orange or yellow. Cold water Snapper are usually blue, green or purple. They are feisty fish with powerful jaws, about 3 ft in length and 40 lbs in weight. They live in bays and river estuaries, preferring to feed on crabs and lobsters. They have a nice sharp taste to them, and are the second ingredient in Pininthian sea food gumbo.   

Swordfish

They are predatory fish easily recognized by their long sharp nose. They often reach 14 ft in length and 1,400 lbs in weight. They prefer the warm tropical waters of the far south, but are sometimes seen in the Inner Ocean. Lore claims that its sword-nose can punch a hole in any row-boat. More importantly, Swordfish are believed to be a rival to the beloved dolphin, thus they are hunted as trophy fish.

Trout

They are similar to the Salmon, but do not migrate to the ocean. They live in cool water lakes and rivers. They average in size from 3-4 ft and weight around 30 lbs. The Rainbow trout is the best know type, loved for its colorful look and its delicious pink meat. Trout fishing is more a sport for the wealthy than a real source of food.

Tuna

They are ocean dwelling fish that prefer deep water. They are big, averaging 5 ft long and 500 lbs, however some have been caught that were 12 ft long and about 1,200 lbs. The Blue-fin tuna is common in northern waters, while the Yellow-fin lives in the south. Unlike most ocean fish, which have white meat, the Tuna’s flesh is red. In Arcanis they have become a much loved delicacy, a major import provided by Sumrassa. Top notch Tuna is preserved with ice magic so it may be delivered fresh.

Turbot

They are a type of flat-fish that is native to the cold northern waters. They average 3-4 ft in length and 40 lbs in weight. Turbot has a bright white flesh that retains its appearance when cooked. It is a common food for northern sailors because it can be salted, then boiled to re-hydrate it, then fried with out becoming mush. What is for dinner – turbot and toast?