Floating fish

Floating fish, colloquially blimpfish (Aeridae) are a genus of fish native to Equatorial Maincon and West Vertcon and that have the ability to generate hydrogen from water by electrolysis using special cells called electrolytes. It stores the hydrogen in a gas bladder located on the top of the fish, hence the term 'blimpfish'. It is the only known lifeform that can fly by floating.

The two extant species of flying fish live in saltwater (A. Nartan) and freshwater (A. Ruphines). The freshwater species is native to Vertcon rivers, but have been exported to Equatorial Maincon ever since contact was made.

The males tend have much larger gas bladders than their female counterparts. Scientists theorize that this is due do selection pressure from females looking for mates as males with larger gas bladders have a better ability to find food and escape predators despite its large size. Other markings distinguishing males from females is that females tend to have spots.

The flying fish is an important and sacred animal in Equatorial and Vertcon religion due to its ability to float and its link towards a higher realm. Slaughter of flying fish is restricted in the Xi Republic, Equatorial Province and some states in West Vertcon.

History
Floating fish have been documented since prehistory, where