The Mermaid Chronicles: Mermaid Species

Are mermaids real? Oh yes, they are quite real. There are so many different types of mermaids the average human would be quite surprised. But, I as well was also surprised when I found so many of my kind on the internet. It seems like many artists, photographers, scientists, and mermaid enthusiasts were not to far from the truth when they spoke or drew about mermaids. Although this page will be referring to merfolk in general, the term "mermaid" will be mostly used to signify the entire species because if the majority of merfolk popularity revolves around the females.

This portion of The Mermaid's Lagoon will educate users about the different species of mermaid. This document is a brief outline of all the known mermaid species in the world. When the term "known" is used, this refers to all the previously documented, photographed, artistically rendered or witnessed species in the world, under the scientific name "Sirenius".

Asian (Haitian) Mermaid

Sirenius Hindusexei

Also referred to as the "Haitian" mermaid in eastern waters, this mermaid species has been seen in the southern  Caribbean sea, in and around Hawaii, and most of all in the far western Pacific and Northern Indian oceans, off the coast of Southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Northern India. This mermaid's origin is speculated to come from Asian/Polynesian descent due to the common facial features. Her nether portion is deep vibrant orange or golden red, with large visible scales all the way down to her two fluked tail. These mermaids do not have any vocal cords, but have a complex sign language based on tail and other body movements.

Butterfly Mermaid

Sirenius Pletfagigantus

The Butterfly mermaid is more temperate than other mermaids, living only off the coast of southern Japan in relatively cool waters. These mermaids are comprised entirely of females making them one of the first single-sex species, using the same sex couples to procreate. There have been many different sub-species including a catfish-like species so it has not been confirmed the exact number of differences there are. All mermaids have specific colored spots and patterns on both their nether and back area, indicating house and status. These mermaids are quite intelligent, but are ignorant to human civilization. They live and interact in village groups with the ruling mermaid wearing the proudest pattern.

Cagle Mermaid

Sirenius Cagliusii

The Cagle mermaid is similar to the Green mermaid, but because of more human characteristics the species has it's own genus. Some of their characteristics include human genitalia, the scale merging beginning below the thighs, and more human-like behavior patterns compared to others. Because of their great similarities to humans, males find them irresistible when encountered. Cagle mermaids like to adorn themselves with jewelry when found and love to taunt sailors and male swimmers while out at sea. Their tails are mostly green in color, but some teal and blue Cagles have been spotted. Found in almost all warm waters of the both oceans, they seem to be very prolific travelers - from being spotted off of the coast of Hawaii to areas the Great Barrier Reef. Discovered by artist Kurt Cagle, who has draw and photographed many of these mermaids.

Caribbean Mermaid

Sirenius Mammalius

One of the most exquisite species of them all, Caribbean mermaids are one of the most alluring, beautiful creatures in the world. As the name implies, these mermaids were first discovered in the Caribbean, but can be found as north as Cape Cod in north-eastern United States or as south as Venezuela. The most stunning characteristic is their dark vibrant red tail, usually patterned with golden streaks outlining the curvatures of the mermaid's pectoral and ventral fins and lower torso. These mermaids are known for their large two-fluked blackened tails, long blonde thick hair, and round firm large breasts. They can create breathable atmosphere for humans under water by ejecting special acids and fluids into a person's mouth via the lips. These mermaids are also known for their sexual allure and like to play and tempt males of their kind. Only recently they were exposed to mankind.

Fantail Mermaid

Sirenius Kaudlacolare

The Fantail mermaids consider themselves to be the royalty of the sea. Although they only occupy a fairly small amount of territory, just a few portions of the Great Barrier Reef, they present themselves as the highest and most intelligent species in the ocean. These are the most naïve of all mermaids, believing that they have the perfect society ruled by a single monarchy, the Queen, in their beautifully constructed coral castles. No human or any other merfolk has ever been very far into their territory - scuba divers are driven out by force or by seduction, whichever the mermaid guards wish. The male fantails are the minority, but only by a small percentage. Their society is based on female superiority. The origins of this species are unknown.

Freshwater Mermaid

Sirenius (Nympha) Pisciformosa

The Freshwater mermaid lives in the lakes and rivers of the British Isles, northern Europe and the Caspian Sea. Their known characteristics are silvery scaly tails, similar to salmon, and a dual fluked or veined caudal fin. It is said to have a talent for healing. Diseased fish are reputed to be very quickly healed merely by contact with its' skin. These mermaids are elusive enough to trick many by mimicking the color change and pallor of death. When the danger has passed, which has led to the belief that this species can rise from the dead. Unfortunately, these characteristics have rendered them desirable - the scales are highly prized amulets. These mermaids live separate from the males and only mate twice a year when they swim out of sea.

Green Mermaid

Sirenius Sirenius

Long hair, dazzling eyes, full round breasts, and the sudden transition from golden skin to green scales is the most common description of a typical mermaid. Known before as just a "mermaid", Green mermaids are probably the most widely known sirens seen throughout all the major bodies of water. There has been much decline in sightings of these mermaids, probably due to the fact of the industrialization of society over the last century. Green mermaids have a society similar to the human monarchy where the mermen (more commonly known as "tritons") have majority and control over the society. Many variations have been observed over the centuries - mermaids with long tails, transitional membranes, scaled fins, even some with two tails like the French mermaid Melusine. Many fairy tales and folklore are based on Green mermaids - probably the most famous one being Disney's "The Little Mermaid" Ariel.

Indo-Pacific (Skin) Mermaid

Sirenius Epidermius

"Skin" mermaids are nature's irony. The most human-like mermaids on the outside, yet the most unhuman-like on the inside. These mermaids are entirely covered with skin all the way down to their fluked tail. Indo-Pacific merfolk live where their name implies: Indian and Pacific oceans. These merfolk are quite commonly found in every part of the Pacific ocean and most of the Indian, producing conflict with other mermaid species - mostly the Fantail. The Indo-Pacific are the most intelligent mermaid species - having the largest brain size out of all merfolk, even larger than humans. This large cranium seems to indicate the presence of telepathy where merfolk can communicate over short distances with others. Skin mermaids are serious naturalists living as they always have without any inventions or technology, with only themselves and the sea. Their entire way of life is based around sexual exploration where a mermaid can give birth to up to 8 merfry in four months! It is surprising how much is known about this species because they are very shy and rarely surface.

Pearl Mermaid

Sirenius Perwoscentia (Delphinus)

Known as the "Pearl of the Sea", these mermaids are considered to be one of the most beautiful and wonderful creatures that live today. These quiet, subtle, passionate creatures live scattered among the Oceana, but have been spotted as north as Hawaii. These mermaids are recognized by their smooth, pearlish hue faded from their skin tone, and a smaller caudal fin. Fertile females protrude a darker ridge on their dorsal, which extended down to the tail. Violet colored variations have also been seen with a slightly larger more Delphine tail known under the subspecies Delphinus. Although no mermen have been seen, it has been observed that the females have a tendency to go out and explore the ocean - usually leaving their male companions in the deep. On rare occasions they have interacted with humans, but somehow photographer Jason Gold has managed to capture the greatest mermaid photos of all time from this species. 

(Reference: "The Mermaid's Lagoon")