Karystels are noted for their beauty, grace, and quickness. Their long, lithe bodies move like eels, and they have scales in shades of iridescent purple, blue, and green. They are very popular in the arts, both among dancers and musicians. Baby karystels look like tadpoles, but significantly grow in size over a maturation period of two years. It is not understood why some karystels develop human-like hands and some develop large tentacles for arms.