← JournalNotes from the Lower Dark

Cinderflash Darter

Cineripiscis fulgur

Abyssal44 cm · Fleeing · burst-swimmer

Field record

A line of cold blue scales travels down its flank just before it runs, as if the animal were striking a match underwater. It does not weave through the rocks or hide; it simply explodes forward in a straight, brutal burst and leaves the silt falling behind it. A lasso has to land before that first flash reaches the tail.

Marginal note: “one cold blue flash, then only the silt remembers it”

Habitat

ZoneThe Lower Dark

Depth range2,100–2,800 m

DiscoveryNo special condition — found simply by piloting close enough to identify it.

Catching it

A Abyssal-tier catch needs at least a Heavy-Gauge Net— anything under that rating can never hold it, whatever the throw. Bought at the Quartermaster’s counter for 850 crystals. A held net inks this entry for good and pays its ledger bonus on the spot.

Ledger bonus on capture+12 Speed

Full capture mechanics — sighting vs. capture, the aim ring, why a net below a creature’s tier always bursts — in The Ledger.