Subject:GUTTER EELS
From:
Matt Rose
Ok, this species is the source of countless Blues in MDRWoP...
Contrary to their name, Gutter Eels are molluscs rather than fish. They resemble large (up to 60cm in length) amphibious slugs, with two filmy flukes that run the length of their sides. They tend to be a drab olive grey, although they can become spectacularly colourful when exposed to certain chemical outflows. Adults are equally at home swimming in open water or sliding over concrete above the surface. Originally the species is believed to have lived in Mort's sewerage system, but in the late 400s they developed a unique survival strategy.
Gutter Eels get their name from their reproductive technique. Two or more fertile adults (they're hermaphroditic) will position themselves inside of a drain pipe on the side of a building. Most commonly they climb up the pipe from the inside, although they have been seen to scale the outside of a building to gain access to the pipes from above. Once inside the pipe, the adults cluster together and swap genetic material in a slimy disgusting mess. As well as fertilising each other, they also secrete hormones that solidify their natural lubricants, and ultimately their bodies. This results in the Gutter Eels forming a dense, solid plug of organic material that completely blocks the drain pipe. The adults are killed by this process, but not before releasing all of their eggs into the upper section of the pipe.
In a short time rain water backs up in the blocked pipe. The Gutter Eel young grow rapidly in their artificial safe haven, quickly reaching 5cm in length. They eat algae and waste washed into the pipe, as well as each other. When they grow too large to be supported by this tiny ecosystem, they swim to the surface of their pipe and spread along the buildings guttering. (This is where they were discovered by roof maintenance teams, and hence the name.) They live in the guttering for up to a year, growing to about 20cm in length, before they are forced to return to the sewers or other areas with more abundant food. Of course, they now have a considerable size advantage over other creatures trying to hang on to the same ecological niche.
Gutter Eels are mostly harmless, apart from the collateral damage they cause. Depending on the area they grow in, some can gather caustic pollutants from their environment, which they secrete in their slime. All SLA personnel are advised to wear protective clothing when coming into contact with Gutter Eels. Wraithern personnel are advised to test each Eel individually before attempting to eat them.
The Dept. of Sanitation would like to lay to rest any rumours of Giga-Eels living in the deeper sewers of Sector DT129. These creatures are said to grow to enormous size, and follow a lifecyle similar to the Gutter Eel. The Dept. of Sanitation would like to point out that the piping in sub-sector 93844#2323#129 -where the rumours are believed to have come from- is, on average, 4m in diameter, so it is quite preposterous to suggest that recent blockages are caused by any such creature.