Dragonfish

A drab, flattened ambush fish barely two feet long, the dragonfish hugs the muddy beds of warm ponds and slow rivers. Its mottled brown scales melt into silt and stone, leaving it nearly invisible until something disturbs it. Three to five rows of needle spines bristle along its back; these snap off in any foot or hand pressed against them, lodging deep and pumping a slow, escalating venom. Despite the fearsome name and dragon-like hide, it is a shy scavenger that eats snails, small fish, and carrion. Most victims never meant to fight it at all, they simply waded or grabbed in the wrong place. For survivors, it yields prized poison, ready-made darts, and armour-grade scale.