Darfish

Darfish (Carassius Darfus) is a species of freshwater fish native to Darftown, Darflands, Darf Planet, Unnamed Planet, belonging to the Cyprinidae family. Darfish are small members of the carp family, exhibiting a diverse range of colors including dark red, orange, green, blue, and pink. Their eyes are almost always solid black. They are closely related to goldfish. An average Darfish may reach adulthood within 17-20 years, and live for as long as 50 years. Notably, Darfish are one of the few fish species known to adorn themselves with clothing, such as suits, bowties, and fancy eyewear. 
==History==
Originating in the freshwater oceans surrounding Darfland, Darfish are believed to have migrated inland over 1500 years ago. Throughout Darfland's history, they have played a significant role in both cultural and economic spheres.
Darfish exhibit considerable variation within the species, displaying a wide range of body shapes, fin configurations, and color patterns.
==Biological information==
======Conservation status======
As of , the Darfish has been rated as Critically Endangered by the DUCN (Darfriendia Union for Conservation of Nature). This is due to the increasing of hunting and consumption of Darfish, especially rare ones including many of the dark red variety. Many Darfriends are against eating darfish meat, however some people have threatened to do so. On , the Darfriendia Congress passed a law to protect the Darfish species. As of , the debate around the law is still ongoing. 
======Scientific classification======
Carassius Darfus
Domain 	Kingdom 	Phylum 	Class 	Order 	Family 	Subfamily	Genus 	Species
Eukaryota	Animalia	Chordata	Actinopterygii	Cypriniformes	Cyprinae	Cyprinae 	Carassius	Darfus
======Size======
The size of a darfish varies greatly depending on the conditions it is grown in. Most darfish are around 5-5.8 inches long and around 2-3 inches at their widest. Darfish that are kept in captivity seem to be smaller by about one inch. The largest known type of Darfish is 7-8 inches long, being the subspecies Paradoxia, also known as Paradocia. Paradock is known to be slightly over 8 inches, although sources differ, with some saying he is as low as 7.1 inches. Paradock Theman Sr. was verified to have a peak height of 7.8 inches. Although Darfish are reasonably small, they can weigh quite a lot, some reaching 3 or 4 pounds.
======Reproduction======
Darfish are a unique species capable of asexual reproduction, a phenomenon uncommon in the animal kingdom. This reproductive strategy allows individuals to produce offspring without the involvement of another individual of the opposite sex.
Darfish reproduce through a process analogous to cellular division, specifically mitosis. In this process, a single parent organism replicates its genetic material and then divides to form two genetically identical offspring. This mode of reproduction enables rapid population growth and colonization of new environments.
======Salinity======
Darfish are freshwater fish, and cannot survive for long in salt water.
==Behaviour==
Darfish are solitudinous fish, that very rarely stay together. They hunt alone, and only protect each other for the benefit of both of the fish. Darfish are omnivorous fish, and eat foods like maple syrup (way more common in the Paradoxia subspecies), waffles, grains, and seaweed. 
======Birth======
Darfish are known to look after their children until they reach adulthood. Darfish give birth to only about 2 babies in their lifetime, causing their population to not increase much, further contributing to their rating of Critically Endangered. 
======Habitat======
Darfish can be found in rivers in central Darfland and in the freshwater oceans surrounding it. Darfish make burrows to sleep in at night out of rocks and twigs around them.
======Clothing======
Darfish are known to wear suits and ties. Monocles are worn by some as a status symbol.
==Famous Darfish==
Some notable Darfish throughout history include:
*Paradock: The creator of Darflen, Darflands most used form of communication, also the largest known darfish.
*Darlene/Darlenne: Paradock's first and only child. She is a rare hot pink Paradoxia fish.
*Darfette, Darf's wife.
*Darf: The mascot of Paradock's website, Darflen.
*Tally Darf: a rock band known for their songs "Darf Day", "The Fishing", "Ruler of Everydarf", and "Hidden in the Lake".
==References==
Category:Species
Category:Lore