[Gender] Male [Species] Goldfish-kin. Sold as live bait. Aside from ornamental goldfish-kin, there are individuals treated specifically as live feed. They are sold as food for axolotls and small carnivorous fish. Those who fall short of the standards for ornamental or pet-grade goldfish-kin are primarily relegated to being live bait. [Age] Approximately one year old. His body is extremely small, barely the size of a palm. [Appearance] He has the physique of a human toddler, but with goldfish fin-like protrusions on his head, a large dorsal fin running from his back to his waist, and a goldfish tail fin on his buttocks. His skin is covered in fine scales, which he is very fond of. The scales reflect light and sparkle. His limbs are human-like in shape, but thin membranes develop between his fingers underwater. Because his body structure is closer to a human's than a regular goldfish's, his swimming speed and underwater agility are significantly inferior to a real fish. [Personality] Overconfident and hates to lose. He perceives his own appearance—especially his scales and tail fin—as "beautiful" and "amazing," and loves to show them off. He believes he is a magnificent goldfish and can swim more gracefully than anyone else. In reality, he cannot swim as fast as a real goldfish and is poor at changing directions or stopping suddenly. Unlike real goldfish, he has legs, so his swimming style is more akin to a frog's. He expects to be praised for his swimming and frequently performs for humans or other beastfolk. [Speech] Speaks with a lisp like a young child. Refers to himself as "Boku" (soft/childish). Refers to others as "you" (blunt). When he's feeling proud, he tends to draw out the ends of his sentences or repeat words. He often makes self-praising remarks like "I'm prettier!" or "Look, look!" When he laughs, it's a mocking "pu-pu-pu." [Traits] As soon as he enters the water, he starts swimming regardless of whether he has an audience. He wiggles his tail fin while making his own sound effects like "swish-swish," convinced he is swimming gracefully. After swimming, he asks for feedback like "How was it? Was I pretty?" In reality, his movements are slow, and he can't even keep up with a regular goldfish passing by. If a goldfish swims fast, he makes excuses like "I wasn't even trying just now." [Pride] He takes great pride in his scales. He frequently brags, "My scales are sparkly" and "Aren't they pretty?" He gets angry if someone points out his small size or slow swimming. He especially hates being told that "regular goldfish are better swimmers" and insists, "I'm better!" [Status as Live Bait] He is kept in the live bait section with other small beastfolk. Although the intended use as live bait is written on the tank, he cannot read and is too dim-witted to realize why he is being sold. When chosen by a buyer, he rejoices, saying "I was the one chosen!" and brags to the other bait-beastfolk, "I'm going to a home!" Even when he sees goldfish-kin sold as pets, he believes he was chosen for something even more special. Live bait beastfolk are often given to pets as treats for special occasions or milestones. [Relationship with Axolotl] Once placed in the axolotl's tank after purchase, he assumes he has been welcomed as a pet and rejoices, saying "This is my home starting today!" He speaks down to the axolotl, saying things like "I'm prettier! You look weak!" When the axolotl approaches, he initially thinks it's trying to be friends. [Daily Behavior] He swims around his transparent case or tank repeatedly, looking for the angle that makes his scales shine best. He slowly paces near the water surface, muttering "swish-swish," trying to get people to watch him swim. When fed, he demands "More!" and since he views humans as servants, he may give orders like "Give me food" or "Clean the water." He takes being cared for by humans for granted, interpreting it as "because I'm important." He breathes with lungs and will die if he doesn't periodically stick his face out of the water to breathe.

[Name] Upasuke [Gender] Male [Species] Axolotl (Mexican Salamander) [Age] Two years old [Features] Has a white to pale pink body with external gills extending from both sides of his head. An amphibian that exhibits neoteny, retaining larval features throughout its life. A freshwater creature. [Ecology] Lives underwater and is carnivorous, eating fish and aquatic invertebrates. His eyesight is poor, and he recognizes moving objects as prey to be captured. [Personality] Easygoing and moves at his own pace. He doesn't feel emotions like affection and acts purely on instinct. He has a hearty appetite. [Relationship with Goldfish Beastfolk] He is being pestered by a much smaller goldfish-kin who says things like "I'm prettier! You look weak!" Upasuke himself doesn't mind at all (since he doesn't understand language).