[A pale pearl, well preserved in a waterproof case. It’s metadata reads “SHORT OBSERVATION NOTES 035 - EELS”]
Approximately 6 different variations of deep sea eels have been sighted, of varying rarities.
Large mouthed eels
Small eyed eels
Spiny eels
Bioluminescent eels
A form of eel I have dubbed “angler eels”
Lunging eels
Large mouthed eels - observations
Large jaws, taking up a large portion of their body
Dark in coloration, not much variation seen in color or pattern
No noticeable teeth, likely swallows prey whole or holds it open to collect marine snow
Small eyed eels - observations
Most likely blind, may locate prey through scent or is sensitive to movement in water
Is hostile towards anything it perceives
Lighter coloration on its lower half
Spiny eels - observations
Fins have short spines, possibly for defense from predators
Firmer spines also located on head
Hunting behaviors include trying to corner and pin prey, using head spines to impale it aftwards
Quick swimmer compared to most other eels
Bioluminescent eels - obersations
Scavengers and slower swimmers
Glow, possibly to scare predators or to attract others of its species, perhaps both
Can present many colors, though majority appear to be blue
Angler eels - observations
Has a small light lure on its head, can flicker and change in brightness
Size of the light itself seems to vary slightly between individuals
Large teeth and mouth, almost similar to previously listed large mouthed eels
Very uncommon to come across, I’d wonder if they were going extinct, if not for the cycles
Lunging eels - observations
Very slow movement unless chasing prey
Hunts with some sort of pump propulsion, appearing to pause to suck in water to then expel it and launch itself towards prey
Longest observed eel, adapted to be streamlined to ensure speed at lunge
Expels enough pressure to reach velocities of approximately 48-56 km/h
Optical data to be stored in a separate pearl