Submission (#6279) Approved

Nestled in the embrace of Ealei where Yggdrasil's roots weave through the shallow, crystalline waters, there exists a fascinating aquatic creature known as the Mangrove Glider. These small beings, no larger than a rodent, navigate the watery labyrinth with astounding grace, their sleek bodies adorned in scales that shimmer in hues of turquoise, indigo, and violet.

An important aspect of the Mangrove Glider species is its unique relationship with the mangroves themselves. These creatures depend on the Ealei regions plentiful mangroves for both shelter and sustenance. Their sleek bodies are camouflaged to match the dappled sunlight filtering through the mangrove leaves, offering them protection from predators.

The Mangrove Glider exists somewhere between the threshold of fish and insect, being both segmented, yet having fins, gills, and feelers. One major feature that sets them apart from normal fish are their elegantly elongated fins, which help them camouflage into their wet mossy environment. Their fins, resembling the delicate fronds of a mangrove tree, allow them to glide effortlessly through the labyrinth of roots and branches that crisscross the region. They swiftly move in schools, traveling together in a synchronized dance while creating ripples on the surface of the water as they navigate the vast network of mangroves.

When it comes time to feed, the Mangrove Glider often slide along the maze of mangrove roots, using their specialized feelers and mandibles to nibble and pull on the nutritious algae that thrives in the shallows. In return, their waste provides essential nutrients for the mangroves, creating a symbiotic relationship that cycles back to their environment.

It is not often a Mangrove Glider is captured for food, but still it can be a unique treat and a fun challenge for young Elnin and other Ealei residents. The gliders' diet, primarily composed of nutrient-rich algae, lends a unique profile to their meat. Their flesh tastes of a subtle sweetness, underscored by the earthy essence characteristic of the mangrove surroundings. When handled by more experienced chefs, it can be a culinary delicacy, especially when grilled over a fragrant bed of mangrove moss and smoked mangrove woodchips.