The moray wall

The moray wall symbolizes comfort for Ea amidst a different species that she has no direct ties with. At the beginning of the novel, Ea feels great disconnect between her and her fellow Longi tribespeople because of the angst and confusion in her heart. She is unable to spin like they do and she has no interest in mating or having sex, which is a huge driving force of their society. She is able to come to the wall of moray eels, however, and spend time with a group of creatures that are distinct from herself.

The remora

The remora fish symbolizes the worst-case scenario for Ea when it comes to mating and having relationships with other dolphins. It attaches itself to her when she learns from the mantas that she may have to break the pod somehow, and it constantly needles her and...