Lobalug

Lobalugs are an aquatic creature native to the bottom of the North Sea, although they are also found throughout the Atlantic. Saltwater merpeople keep them to weaponize their venom.

Physical Appearance

Lobalugs grow to around 10 to 12 inches on average. They have a long rubbery proboscis and most of their body is the venom sac. They are somewhat squash shaped when low on venom but swell up like balloons when the sac if full. Although they rarely venture from the depths on their own muggles might confuse their shape for the mantle of an octopus. Lobalugs have similar eye shapes to octopi and some can even alter their patterns like a cuttlefish.

Their proboscis is used to help propel them through the water. They also crawl and can cling to surfaces with the suckers on the underside of their 'head.'

Behavior

Lobalugs are filter feeders, so they commonly stay in one spot if the environment provides enough nutrients. Their venom is largely concentrated from pollutants they filter out of the water.

When startled, they will shoot their venom at the attacker, and also use the brief inky cover to flee. Those domesticated by merfolk will cling to the arm of their handler, just below the wrist so it can be prompted to shoot venom with a squeeze.

Handling

Dragon hide gloves and antivenom are suggested when handling lobalugs if you don't know what you are doing. Prolonged 'latching' of a lobalug on the surface of the skin can cause irritation even without exposure to the venom.

Scourgify and similar spells are recommended to remove lobalug venom, as it cannot be diluted with only water.

Laws

Ministry Classification: XXX

Lobalug venom is used in some advanced potions as an ingredient. However, lobalug venom is strictly controlled. When exposed to untempered venom, the victim feels a burning sensation along their skin as the venom works its way into their bloodstream. Delirium, nausea, and possible organ shock are all symptoms.

Misc

Hot cocoa (specifically, milk & chocolate) somewhat nullifies the effects of lobalug venom. It also turns the concoction purple. It’s still not recommended to drink it.[1]

At Absit Omen

Heliotrope LeJean traded for a lobalug during a voyage around the UK the summer after her first year. Miraculously, it hadn’t died during her time acclimating it to living in freshwater during her years at Hogwarts. It was kept in a pitcher of water near her bed. She has never given her ‘pet’ a name.

Truthfully, a venomous pet at Hogwarts would be highly questionable but living in freshwater had greatly reduced the potency of its venom. Still, better to be safe side, as Sasha did after Heliotrope chucked it into a horse trough during a tutoring session.[2]