Mutations

Mutations in Abyss are random modifiers that change a fish's appearance and multiply its sell value. There are 21 mutations in the game, with multipliers ranging from 0.33x (Poop) all the way up to 8.5x (Abyssal). This guide lists every mutation, its exact multiplier, and how they affect your earnings.

How Mutations Work in Abyss

When a fish spawns in any biome, it has a chance to appear with a mutation. Mutated fish look visually different from normal ones and carry a value multiplier that applies directly to the base sell price. For example, a Barracuda normally sells for $20/kg. A Gold Barracuda sells for $40/kg (2x multiplier).

Mutations are purely random. You cannot force a specific mutation, but the Drop Luck Potion (+30% Fish Drop Luck for 15 minutes) increases your odds of encountering mutated fish. Some quests specifically require catching fish with certain mutations.

All 21 Mutations Ranked by Multiplier

From worst to best:

Mutation	Multiplier	Value Change
Poop	0.33x	-67% (reduces value)
Rock	1x	No change
Coral	1.1x	+10%
Moss	1.1x	+10%
Metal	1.2x	+20%
Sand	1.25x	+25%
Albino	1.3x	+30%
Transparent	1.4x	+40%
Cactus	1.45x	+45%
Spirit	1.6x	+60%
Fossil	1.8x	+80%
Gold	2x	+100%
Negative	2x	+100%
Fairy	2.3x	+130%
Invisible	2.5x	+150%
Neon	2.8x	+180%
Ultraviolet	3.6x	+260%
Rooted	4.5x	+350%
Shadow	6.66x	+566%
Angelic	7.77x	+677%
Abyssal	8.5x	+750%

Mutation Tiers Explained

Low-Tier Mutations (0.33x - 1.25x)

These mutations are the most common spawns and barely affect the fish's value.

Poop (0.33x) -- The only mutation that decreases value. A Poop-mutated fish is worth one-third of its normal price. Not worth selling unless you need inventory space.
Rock (1x) -- Changes appearance but doesn't affect price at all. Functionally identical to a normal fish in terms of earnings.
Coral (1.1x) and Moss (1.1x) -- A tiny 10% bump. Barely noticeable on cheap fish but adds up on expensive ones.
Metal (1.2x) -- 20% increase. Required for early Mr. Black quests.
Sand (1.25x) -- 25% boost. Exclusive appearance themed to the Ancient Sands biome.

Mid-Tier Mutations (1.3x - 2x)

These start becoming worth holding onto, especially on high-value fish.

Albino (1.3x) -- Gives the fish a pale white appearance. Required for several Mr. Black quests.
Transparent (1.4x) -- The fish becomes see-through. Also needed for Mr. Black's quest chain.
Cactus (1.45x) -- Themed to Ancient Sands. Required for Marcus' quests.
Spirit (1.6x) -- Spirit Roots themed mutation. Required for multiple Victor quests.
Fossil (1.8x) -- Nearly doubles value. Required for Marcus' "Old Traces" and Grumpy Hank's quests.
Gold (2x) -- A full 2x multiplier. Visually striking gold appearance. Required for Mr. Black's "Golden Glare" quest.
Negative (2x) -- Same multiplier as Gold with a color-inverted look. Required for Mr. Black's "Dark Contrast" quest.

High-Tier Mutations (2.3x - 4.5x)

Rare mutations that significantly boost earnings.

Fairy (2.3x) -- Required for Victor's "Altered by Spirit" quest (3 Fairy-Mutated Fish).
Invisible (2.5x) -- The fish becomes nearly invisible, making it harder to spot but very valuable. Required for Lost Captain's quests.
Neon (2.8x) -- Bright glowing mutation. Required for Mr. Black's final quest.
Ultraviolet (3.6x) -- More than triples the value. Required for Lost Captain's quest chain.
Rooted (4.5x) -- Spirit Roots exclusive appearance. Required for Victor's late-game quests.

Elite Mutations (6.66x - 8.5x)

The rarest and most valuable mutations in the game.

Shadow (6.66x) -- Extremely rare dark mutation. Required for Lost Captain's Quest 4 (3 Shadow-Mutated Fish).
Angelic (7.77x) -- Nearly 8x value multiplier. Required for Mr. Black's "The Final Depth" (2 Angelic-Mutated Fish).
Abyssal (8.5x) -- The highest multiplier in the game. Also required for Mr. Black's final quest (2 Abyssal-Mutated Fish).

Mutation Value Calculator: Real Examples

Here's what a max-weight fish looks like with different mutations applied:

Fish (Max Weight)	Base Value	Gold (2x)	Neon (2.8x)	Shadow (6.66x)	Abyssal (8.5x)
Barracuda (12kg @ $20/kg)	$240	$480	$672	$1,598	$2,040
Mahi Mahi (20kg @ $8/kg)	$160	$320	$448	$1,066	$1,360
Lionfish (6kg @ $20/kg)	$120	$240	$336	$799	$1,020
Salmon (8kg @ $9/kg)	$72	$144	$202	$480	$612

Which Mutations Are Needed for Quests?

Several NPC quest chains specifically require catching fish with certain mutations:

Mr. Black's Quest Chain (Mutation-Focused)

Quest 2 -- 4 Coral-Mutated + 3 Metal-Mutated
Quest 3 -- 4 Metal-Mutated + 3 Albino-Mutated
Quest 4 -- 3 Transparent-Mutated + 3 Albino-Mutated + 3 Metal-Mutated
Quest 5 -- 4 Transparent-Mutated + 3 Gold-Mutated + 4 Coral-Mutated
Quest 6 -- 8 Albino-Mutated + 4 Metal-Mutated + 3 Negative-Mutated
Quest 8 -- 2 Angelic-Mutated + 2 Abyssal-Mutated + 3 Neon-Mutated + 6 Gold-Mutated

Other NPC Quests Requiring Mutations

Marcus: Sand, Cactus, and Fossil mutations across quests 1-6
Victor: Spirit, Fairy, and Rooted mutations for quests 3, 6, and 7
Grumpy Hank: Fossil and Cactus mutations for quests 3-4
Lost Captain: Coral, Invisible, Negative, Neon, Ultraviolet, and Shadow mutations across quests 2-4

Tips for Finding Rare Mutations

Use Drop Luck Potions before farming. The 30% boost makes a noticeable difference over extended sessions.
Crimson Shard increases Drop Luck by 50% and Speed by 50%, though it reduces Strength by 15%.
Farm in areas with high fish density. More fish spawns means more chances at mutations.
Races with Cash bonuses (Spirit Race +8%, Anglerfish Race +8%, Kraken Race +15%) don't affect mutation chance, but they do maximize your earnings on mutated fish you do catch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mutations

Can fish have more than one mutation?

No. Each fish spawns with at most one mutation.

Does the mutation affect fish weight?

No. Mutations only affect the sell price multiplier. Weight is rolled independently.

Which mutation is the most common?

Poop, Rock, Coral, and Moss are the most frequently encountered mutations.

Which mutation is the rarest?

Abyssal, Angelic, and Shadow are the rarest, with Abyssal being the most valuable at 8.5x.