Dorsal Dragons are so named because they have large fins along their backs that can be raised and lowered at will. They use these fins to regulate body temperature; they raise them to cool off when they become overheated. The bright colors on the fins double as a means of attracting mates.

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.

Saying that Tagera is bad-tempered is like saying that grass is green.  But she's also hypercritical of herself and others, which is an extremely bad combination.  She is forever hovering around dragons who are doing some task, yelling snatches of "helpful" advice, and criticizing them loudly.  When they "don't do it right" she often flees the area in hysterical tears, screaming insults at the perceived offender.  But she is also very critical of herself, and gets very angry at herself when she "doesn't do it right."  Perhaps some of her bad temper comes out of her not having learned that no one is truly perfect.