Reefmarcher (Piscis stolidus)

Alias: None
Origin: Jeyrhan Coasts

The Reefmarcher is a sluggish, docile fish species native to the shallow marine ecosystems of Jeyrhan’s coastal shelf. Characterized by its bulky, scaleless body and limited intelligence, it is an abundant and easily captured food source. Slow movement and poor reflexes make it vulnerable to both predators and subsistence fishers. Its presence in an area reliably indicates nutrient-rich tidal zones and stable shallow reef ecosystems.

Terrain

Reefmarchers inhabit the warm, shallow waters of Jeyrhan’s coasts, favoring tide-rich zones, nearshore reefs, and sunlit marine basins. They are entirely absent from deep oceans, freshwater systems, or arid inland regions.

Lifespan

They live approximately 5–10 years, reaching reproductive maturity between 1–2 years. Breeding occurs regularly in seasons of calm marine weather, often in communal spawning zones along coral reefs.

Height / Size

Adult Reefmarchers grow to 0.5–1.0 meters in length, with a typical mass of 10–20 kilograms. Juveniles (under 1 year) measure between 0.2–0.5 meters and are commonly found in tide pools and reef edges.

Uses

• Ecological Role: A foundational prey species supporting reef-based predator populations. Their grazing helps manage algae levels across reefs, contributing to ecosystem health.
• Cultural Significance: Integral to Jeyrhan coastal diets. Due to their abundance and ease of capture, they are seen as symbols of sustenance and are commonly featured in local festivals, culinary rites, and daily trade.
• Guidance: Harvest with drift nets, reef traps, or hand-casting from shallows. Monitor spawning cycles and enforce seasonal no-catch zones to prevent local overharvesting and reef depletion.

Notes

First documented during the Era of Absolute Expansion (~3,000 years before modern Geba), Reefmarchers were catalogued in the Comprehensive Field Codex for their reliability as a sustainable coastal resource. Despite their minimal intelligence, they remain essential to the coastal food web, sustaining both wildlife and human populations. Extant and prolific, they are a keystone species in Jeyrhan’s maritime economy and remain under close observation by local marine stewards.