General Information
Name: Blackoil Glimmer
Class: Vitalic
Type: Ichthyid
Threat Level: 0
Size: Tiny
Height: 5 cm
Description: The Blackoil Glimmer is a small, jet-black fish adorned with faint iridescent striations that shimmer in violet, deep blue, or smoky green under sunlight. Its sleek, compact body moves in rapid, twitching bursts, darting through shallow, sunlit ponds across the lowland provinces of eastern Keldrath, or bred in cave ponds under Endring or Veilglass breeding containers. Its internal anatomy is dominated by a single, expansive Blackoil sac, occupying nearly the entire body cavity. The fish's unique oil-saturated biology permeates its flesh, blood, and organs with a thick, black-violet fluid, which serves as a natural ink or tempering reagent when extracted. Its delicate, translucent fins and small, bead-like eyes are adapted for navigating murky, plant-choked waters with precision.
Behaviour: Harmless and skittish, the Blackoil Glimmer swims in tight, synchronized shoals, highly responsive to light and warmth. It thrives in still, sunlit waters and reproduces rapidly in artificial ponds when fed with Sunbulb stalks, especially if dried and grounded. Sensitive to water quality, it becomes sluggish or disoriented in polluted or turbulent conditions. While non-aggressive, its oil is mildly toxic.
Handling: Keep in shallow, still ponds to ensure healthy reproduction and activity. Handle with gloves to avoid skin irritation from prolonged contact. The fish responds to soft light and calm water, making it easy to herd into Flaxroot collection nets for extraction.
Field Extraction
Valuable parts
Blackoil Fluid: A thick, black-violet oil extracted directly from the fish, usable as deep black ink or a tempering reagent for Veldstone tools and weapons.
Extraction: Process fresh to preserve oil quality. Harvested post-mortem, carefully slice along the belly to open and drain its Blackoil sac into a Rimeleek catch-bowl or Veilglass vial. Avoid crushing to prevent contamination from internal rot.