ASTROVITAE ISSUE 01

THECREATURECOMPENDIUM
NIGHTFIN
By Mathijs Megens (Foldwave)
Glowing Nightin. The left is an image of the magniicent
bioluminescent light display of the Nightin right after
sundown.
While traveling the warm waters surrounding the Chiquon
Archipelago, a fortunate traveler may come across the
majestic but elusive Nightin. Over two meters tall, this large
ilter feeder slowly moves through the highly saline waters
and is kept neutrally buoyant by heavy ballasts inside its
body. Water passes through its mouth and is propelled out
the back pushing the organism forward. Usually, the Nightin
can be seen with its large fans extended on the sides of its
body. With these fans, it catches plankton, marine snow, and
other detritus periodically retracting them inside its body to
eat the caught particles. The six semi-translucent green
bulbs surrounding its mouth host various sensory organs to
safely navigate the often shallow waters and sharp salt
formations. Though this organism is a stunning sight during
the day, it’s true beauty is revealed when night falls, which is
also the time it is most active. Rows of bioluminescent
photophores wrap the Nightin in a mysterious glow
pulsating and lickering as it reacts to changes in its
environment. Each Nightin has their own distinct pattern
and can therefore easily be recognized. Though rare, it is
always a welcome sight for local people to spot a Nightin.
Most are well respected and looked after, often each
individual having their own name.
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