Celestial Sturgeon

A relative to the common sturgeon, these freshwater fish reside in streams and rivers, travelling in large schools. In the daylight they appear to be mundane, with their dull, earthen hues acting as camouflage against muddy riverbanks. It is only as the sun sets below the horizon that they truly begin to shine: along the spines on their backs are small bioluminescent organs, that give the appearance of tiny stars within the dark waters. They possess the ability to control the luminosity and size of their ‘stars’, idly flickering as they drift downstream. It is theorized that the sturgeons use this to communicate with one another.

Their eggs are also bioluminescent, carrying a striking glow but typically hidden beneath the mud for safekeeping. The unique glow makes the roe a delicacy among the rich and influential, which has unfortunately led to overfishing and disruption to their natural habitats. Some academics and cataloguers have lobbied for celestial sturgeons to be considered a protected species to help preserve these fascinating fish. 

Written by Delta