Perhaps the most striking feature on Nerys, her bioluminescent markings are quite difficult to miss! While the sleek dragoness employs her glowing parts in several different ways, did you know that their primary purpose is defensive mimicry? Quite easy to miss, actually, as you'll need a top down view of said markings to see the bigger picture!

Seen from above, her markings resemble a species of highly venomous cave ray--two cave rays, in fact. The larger, mottled markings on the fore half of her body represent the male of the species, while the smaller yet longer markings on her tail represent the female. When spotted by a potential threat, Nerys will swim in a serpentine manner or even in a circle, the action mimicking those two rays courting--which is coincidentally when both are at their brightest and most aggressive. Such a spectacle is familiar to most cavern dwellers. Most know to steer well clear of those glowing rays.

And yet, for those not in-the-know, Nerys' markings and ad-hoc threat displays might look downright curious--especially when seen from above! Some even make repeat visits to Nery's stomping grounds despite not knowing who or what she is, all so they can see those pretty, mesmerizing lights dance around in the deep.
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A two part commission by the wonderful  Moonski featuring my glowy dragoness! Had a mind to show off her markings a little more--front and back!

Original here