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What is the Rare Fish in Zelda? Unveiling the Aquatic Enigmas of Hyrule

The world of The Legend of Zelda is brimming with fantastical creatures, hidden treasures, and, of course, a diverse array of aquatic life. Among these finned inhabitants, some are far more elusive than others, making the pursuit of these rare catches a rewarding challenge for any aspiring angler in Hyrule. So, what is the rare fish in Zelda? While the series has featured several uncommon and sought-after species, the title of “rarest” often varies depending on the specific game. However, generally speaking, the Hylian Loach is most often considered the legendary and rarest fish due to its scarcity and unique appearance, especially in titles like Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess. The Ancient Arowana, while less legendary, also earns recognition as one of the rarest fish in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, due to the challenges in finding and catching it. This article will dive into the details of these aquatic rarities, along with other notable fish that pique the interest of Zelda enthusiasts.

Unearthing the Secrets of the Hylian Loach

What Makes it Legendary?

The Hylian Loach is more than just a rare fish; it is often portrayed as a legendary creature within the Zelda universe. Its distinctive appearance, similar to a bowfin but adorned with ornate swirl patterns down its body, immediately sets it apart from other fish. The Hylian Loach’s reputation as legendary often stems from its extreme rarity, typically only appearing in specific locations and under very particular circumstances. This challenge further solidifies its status, making its capture a notable achievement for any player.

Where Can You Find It?

The exact location of the Hylian Loach changes from game to game, however they are often found in secluded ponds, often near locations with special significance. In Ocarina of Time, the Hylian Loach is found in the Fishing Pond. What makes this capture unique is that it only swims to the center of the pond briefly, meaning that the player must be prepared and positioned correctly to even get the opportunity to cast near it. Similarly in Twilight Princess, the fish is found in the fishing hole. This exclusivity makes every attempt at catching a Hylian Loach a mini-game of patience and skill.

What’s the Reward?

While the Hylian Loach is often revered as a rare catch, it may not always offer significant rewards within the game. In Ocarina of Time, for example, catching one grants 50 Rupees. In other instances, the reward may be purely the satisfaction of adding such a rare creature to the Link’s ever growing compendium of creatures. Its value lies more in the bragging rights and the sense of accomplishment in overcoming the fishing challenges.

The Enigma of the Ancient Arowana

A New Contender in Tears of the Kingdom

While the Hylian Loach holds a special place in the hearts of many, Ancient Arowana have also gained significant notoriety as a rare fish in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. They bear a resemblance to Hyrule Bass but are larger and display more vibrant color patterns. These fish are not only difficult to find but also represent a challenge to capture, adding to their rare status.

Why Are They Rare?

The Ancient Arowana’s rarity is linked to its specific habitat requirements and the number of spawn locations in the game. Unlike more common fish that can be found in numerous bodies of water, Ancient Arowana are often restricted to select areas. This means players must explore thoroughly and pay attention to their environment to even have a chance of encountering one.

Their Uses

While these fish are known for being rare, they are valuable in cooking recipes once caught. Adding them to cooking recipes does not grant any special effects but they will restore several heart containers once used in cooking. This, along with the rarity of finding them makes them a coveted prize for any aspiring chef.

Other Notable Rare Fish in the Zelda Universe

The Significance of the Sanke Carp

While not as legendary as the Hylian Loach, the Sanke Carp, found exclusively in Lantern Lake in Kakariko Village in Breath of the Wild are also a notable fish, specifically because of their location and the amount of players who look for them while trying to complete the game. Although these are simply a subspecies of Armored Carp, their exclusivity to one location adds to their intrigue. Unlike many fish in the Zelda series, consuming Sanke Carps only restores one Heart each to Link’s Life Gauge.

The Mystery of the Giant Fish: Jabun

Jabun is a character rather than a catchable fish, yet it deserves mention in the context of rare aquatic encounters. Featured in The Wind Waker, Jabun is a giant fish and Water Spirit who resides in a hidden cave. Though not a fish you can actively pursue through fishing, his unique position as a guardian figure makes him one of the series’ most memorable and unique fish-like characters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rare Fish in Zelda

What is the hardest fish to catch in Zelda? The Hylian Loach is usually considered the most difficult due to its rare appearance and specific timing needed for capture.
Are there any fish that offer special effects when cooked? In some Zelda titles, certain fish, such as the Ancient Arowana do not offer special effects when cooked, but do restore a significant amount of health containers.
Can you find legendary fish in every Zelda game? Not every Zelda game features specific legendary fish with the same name or importance, but rare fish with unique challenges to catch are common.
What is the point of catching the Hylian Loach? The Hylian Loach often serves as a collector’s item and a badge of honor for dedicated players. In some games they will reward rupees for the catch.
How do you catch a Hylian Loach? The method often involves patience and timing; in some cases, the Hylian Loach only appears at certain times or places within the fishing spot, meaning the player must be attentive and quick.
Can you sell legendary fish for a lot of rupees? While some legendary fish may be sold for Rupees, their main value often lies in their rarity and the satisfaction of catching them.
Is the Ancient Arowana only found in Tears of the Kingdom? The Ancient Arowana has primarily appeared in Tears of the Kingdom at time of writing, but there may be other similar rare species in other games of the series.
Do you need special bait to catch rare fish? In some cases, bait may be used to increase the chance of catching a rare fish. However, patience and skill are usually the key factors.
How many different types of fish are there in the Zelda series? There are a number of common and rare fish species, with the number growing with each new Zelda game.
What is the best place to fish in Zelda games? The location of the best fishing spots varies from game to game, but secluded ponds and lakes are often locations where rare fish may be found.
Are there any fishing side quests in Zelda? Many Zelda titles include fishing-related side quests where players can catch various species of fish for a reward.
Are there any fish-based enemies in the Zelda universe? Though not considered “fish,” enemies such as the Waterblight Ganon in Breath of the Wild are often aquatic-based.
Are there any real-world fish species that inspired the designs of Zelda fish? While many of the fish are fantastical, some species, such as the Hylian Loach, draw inspiration from real-world freshwater fish like the bowfin.
What happens if you miss the chance to catch a rare fish? In most cases, rare fish will eventually respawn, allowing players to try again at a later time.
Are rare fish part of any in-game achievements? Yes, many games have in-game achievements or challenges associated with finding and capturing rare fish.

Conclusion

The world of Zelda is packed with hidden gems, and the rare fish are some of the most fascinating. From the legendary Hylian Loach to the elusive Ancient Arowana, these aquatic creatures offer a challenging and rewarding experience for players. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the world of Hyrule, the pursuit of these rare fish is an adventure worth embarking on. So, grab your fishing rod, hone your skills, and set out to discover the elusive treasures that await in the depths of Hyrule’s waters.

What is the rare fish in Zelda?