Throughout history, we have been told that there are creatures out there that are half beautiful woman and half fish. The oldest known member of the mermaid species was Atargatis of ancient Syria before the Common Era, who supposedly became one after grief-stricken after she ended up killing her human mate. According to Mesopotamia, Babylon, and Sumerian lore, gods existed as means of ruling the sea with a sense of wisdom and royalty. Ancient Greece gave us Sirens, which were clearly the earliest believed versions of mermaids. However, the truth about these human/fish hybrid cryptids may actually be much darker. Despite the general consensus that they are seen as attractive female figures, in reality, that idea would not tread water. Any creatures living mostly or entirely underwater would require thicker skin to adapt as well as loads of blubber around their bodies to stay afloat. As we know quite well, the water and its salty contents make our skin shrivel up like a prune over time. This would virtually negate the theory of a beautiful humanoid staying in that habitat for long. One of the most common theories is misidentification of known animal species, including manatees and dugongs. These creatures would more realistically represent what a mermaid would have to look like to live a marine life. The long hair associated with the cryptid would only get in its way as it glides through the water, so it would basically be bald. In addition, the idea of mermaids being friendly has also been often shot down, with the bigger theory that they are totally malevolent. So what do you think about the idea of an alluring half woman/half fish hybrid? Does it hold water?
Is there a mysterious marine monster swimming in open waters?
