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Description
Fur-Bearing Trout

A misnomer, this forearm length amphibian is neither a fish nor does it have actual fur. The sides and external gills of this fully aquatic salamander are lined with hair-like structures that are likely used to collect oxygen. Native only to a few mountain streams and lakes in the western section of the New Continent. It is likely that they evolved from a more terrestrial species that moved to a completely aquatic lifestyle to avoid competition with land based predators. Prey includes any vertebrate or invertebrate small enough to fit in their maw. However, fur-bearing trout’s preferred prey are salmon eggs and smolt, which it gluts itself on following yearly runs. The salamander itself is considered a delicacy by the fauns of Northwest, collecting them during the winter months when they are fat and slow.

Notes: the fur-bearing trout is a “fearsome critter” that has fascinated me for quite some time. Especially since, like the jackalope, it is often depicted in rouge taxidermy. When pondering how I could realistically design a hairy fish, my mind went to axolotls, the “Mexican walking fish”. From there I read about “hairy” frogs that grew hairlike skin structures to aid in underwater breathing. I decided to combine these two amphibians along with another unique aquatic salamander: the hellbender.

Description
Fur-Bearing Trout

A misnomer, this forearm length amphibian is neither a fish nor does it have actual fur. The sides and external gills of this fully aquatic salamander are lined with hair-like structures that are likely used to collect oxygen. Native only to a few mountain streams and lakes in the western section of the New Continent. It is likely that they evolved from a more terrestrial species that moved to a completely aquatic lifestyle to avoid competition with land based predators. Prey includes any vertebrate or invertebrate small enough to fit in their maw. However, fur-bearing trout’s preferred prey are salmon eggs and smolt, which it gluts itself on following yearly runs. The salamander itself is considered a delicacy by the fauns of Northwest, collecting them during the winter months when they are fat and slow.

Notes: the fur-bearing trout is a “fearsome critter” that has fascinated me for quite some time. Especially since, like the jackalope, it is often depicted in rouge taxidermy. When pondering how I could realistically design a hairy fish, my mind went to axolotls, the “Mexican walking fish”. From there I read about “hairy” frogs that grew hairlike skin structures to aid in underwater breathing. I decided to combine these two amphibians along with another unique aquatic salamander: the hellbender.