When Water Dragons mature, they lose the ability to survive on land, entering the water permanently. They are adept swimmers and eat whatever fish are in the lake they live in. They tend to inhabit the same lake for their entire lives, although a few live in the ocean and swim all over the world.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

Abandoned as a hatchling, Riff swam through the deserted wastelands left behind by the Lagmonster all by himself. His swimming abilities are slightly hindered by his disabled fins, a reminder of his battle with the monster, so he was very glad when Sora welcomed him in her herd.

Though he seems to appreciate Leviathan's help with catching food, his romantic interest appears to be directed more towards the other males. At first, the other dragons frowned upon him for being different, but most of them soon came to accept him as part of their herd when he proved he was sincere.