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=== Major Planetary Zones | (Twin) Sections of the Habitual Belt | Regions | Wildlife===

====== IRONJAW MINNOW ======

{{ :ironjaw_minnow_gg_scenic_2d.png?200|}}
===== Overview =====

The Ironjaw Minnow is a small, mineral-feeding fish native to the inflow zones of all three Mayor Lakes in the [[asari|Asari Region]] of the [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]] on [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]. It thrives in the rocky estuaries where the rivers meet the lakes, an area rich in mineral deposits. The Ironjaw Minnow’s unique dentition allows it to graze directly from rock surfaces, extracting nutrients from mineral-rich algae and sediment.

It plays a vital ecological role by helping to break down mineral deposits and contributing to the lake's nutrient cycling.

===== Physique and Appearance =====

  * **Size:** 6-8 cm
  * **Weight:** ~200 grams
  * **Body Shape:** Compact and torpedo-like
  * **Skin:** Matte gray with faint metallic speckling
  * **Speed:** 3.0 km/h

==== Special Features: ====

  * **Mineralized Rasping Plates:** Broad, flat jaw plates adapted for scraping algae and fine sediment from submerged rock; produces a faint drifting **mineral dust cloud** while feeding.  
  * **Electromagnetic Sensitivity:** Sensitive to minor electric pulses caused by mineral-rich current flow.
  * **Scale Texture:** Rough, sandpaper-like texture deters small predators.

===== Game Mechanics =====

  * **Armor Class (AC):** 12 (tough scales)
  * **Hit Points (HP):** 5
  * **Speed:** 30 ft. (swimming)

==== Attacks ====

  * **Pebble Peck:** 1d2 bludgeoning damage (used rarely in defense)
  * **Mineral Burst (Defensive):** Expels a cloud of sharp mineral sediment when attacked, imposing disadvantage on the attacker’s next roll.

==== Special Abilities ====

  * **Rock Grazer:** Can extract nutritional value from mineral coatings on stone, granting +2 to Survival checks involving subsistence fishing.
  * **Group Flash:** When startled, a school of Ironjaw Minnows releases a synchronized mineral burst, momentarily blinding nearby predators (DC 12 Constitution save or blinded for 1 round).

===== Behavior =====

  * **Diet:** Mineral-rich algae, stone-adhering microbes, detritus
  * **Social Structure:** Small schools of 10-20
  * **Activity Pattern:** Active throughout the day in shallow inflow areas

==== Survival Strategies: ====

  * **Bottom-Grazing:** Avoids open water by staying near mineral-rich rocks
  * **Dispersal Fleeing:** Schools scatter rapidly in all directions when threatened

===== Reproduction and Lifecycle =====

  * **Spawning Season:** Triggered by increased mineral sediment in storm runoff
  * **Egg Deposition:** Females lay sticky eggs in mineral crevices
  * **Hatching Time:** 3-5 days
  * **Lifespan:** 3-4 years

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

Use the Ironjaw Minnow to flavor survival missions, provide obscure ingredients, or as indicators of freshwater quality:

  * **Indicator Species:** Presence may signify clean, mineral-rich water
  * **Alchemy Component:** Crushed Ironjaw jaws could be used in potions of stone resistance or hardening
  * **Narrative Detail:** Schools shimmering in the shallows can signal a safe or valuable inflow location

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]]
  * [[habitual_belt|Habitual Belt]]
  * [[equator_sections_east_and_west|Equatorial Sections East and West]] 
  * [[asari|Eastern Equatorial Section of the Habitual Belt]] (Asari)
  * [[lake_arla|Lake Arla]]
  * [[lake_orlanda|Lake Orlanda]]
  * [[lake_tijonara|Lake Tijonara]]
  * [[wildlife_of_asari|Wildlife of Asari]]

**Known Predators:** 

  * [[twilight_perch|Twilight Perch]]