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The Mermaid Scholar Answers Your Questions:
Having interviewed and researched the mermaids coming ashore in Beaufort, I can report the following……. Some believe that they are a mythical and legendary aquatic creature with the body of a woman and the shimmering, often iridescent, tail of a fish. But, having interviewed them, they personally prefer not to be called creatures, but do consider themselves to be legendary...if only “legends in all of our own minds”. They have been called water nymphs, sea maidens, sirens, among others, and they find most terms to be politically-correct. Having met a few, I can tell you that they all beautiful in their own way, as they do vary by nature and personality. They all seem to be self-assured, independent, and self-contained. They are ageless beauties, owing to the life-renewing qualities of water,,,(they promise to share their beauty secrets with Beaufort before they leave). Sometimes they seem in need of rescue, but they ultimately like to determine their own fate. Do Mermaids Sleep? Mermaids do need their beauty sleep. But this is the difference......they always dream when they sleep. Their dreams are about new adventures…about meeting new landpeople (and new fish) around the world who welcome their diversity (as they are a special mixed-breed).They do not snore, because the bubbles would disturb their fish friends. A few mermaids report that they believe that some mer-men do indeed snore, but that’s another story.
I’ve interviewed my mermaid sources and can report the following: They are prone to salty foods, but when on land for a visit, they love to try out all of their other taste buds. When on land, they do miss their seaweed, so would love to try our local sushi.They’re really into sea vegetables and sand and understand that we have some local lowcountry veggies and grits (which sounds like sand to them)….so they’re game. They miss their sea friends … the shrimp, shellfish, and fish friends and would love to see them again (the mermaids might only pick at your plate but not eat). For dessert, they always enjoy anything Mer-ingue-like as they do have a sweet-tooth The incoming mermaids have asked me to report that.... they are on vacation, and they can eat whatever they want. (Plus, they plan on working their fine meals off as they'll be swimming among us every day in Beaufort). And more answers, in response to a question from Raylan Jennings-- "Major question since I was a kid: How do mermaids reporduce and do they give live birth like humans or do they have eggs like fish?" ~ based on research from BBC's h2g2 online wiki-pedia Mermaid Reproduction In mermaids, reproduction is much like that of dolphins. The reproductive organs of both the male and female are akin to the dolphin and whale, and mermaid babies are born live (as opposed to hatched from eggs). Below is a full treatise on mermaid anatomy from BBC... Mermaid Anatomy - A scientific outlook Contrary to popular belief, mermaids are not human or fish at all. They are mammals with the appearance of a human being above the pelvis and the appearance of dolphins or whales below. All mammals are warm-blooded and have hair, and all female mammals have mammary glands (breast and nipples for feeding young). Fish have a completely different anatomy. Mermaids do appear to have scales, but it is possible that this is in fact a pattern or camouflage that resemble scales. Some species of mermaid also have twin-tails and there are even some that are completely humanoid in appearance, apart from scale-like skin and dolphin-like biology (sonar, respiratory, circulatory and skeletal systems). The mermaid is also known to have both a caucasian or negro complexion and some sighted have a greenish appearance. Biological functions Mermaids have organs in their chest that can operate as a lung or a gill, depending on whether they are in or out of the water. The organ expands and contracts exactly like a lung, yet has the ability to extract oxygen from the water. This allows the mermaid to 'breathe' water in the same way that they breathe air - by filling and evacuating the chest cavity. This organ is also needed to operate the larynx. The human larynx cannot operate under the water as it cannot be made to vibrate from water pressure, yet the mermaids larynx operates equally well using water or air. The mermaid circulatory system is also designed to withstand differing water pressures like that of the dolphin and whale, while the skeleton is light and pliable like those of a bird or dolphin. The lenses of mermaid eyes are also different and are able to correctly focus for use both above and under water. A mermaid is also able to hear on a different level to humans and has the ability to use sonar for communication and hunting purposes underwater. Reproduction In mermaids, reproduction is much like that of dolphins. The reproductive organs of both the male and female are akin to the dolphin and whale, and mermaid babies are born live (as opposed to hatched from eggs). Diet The mermaid mostly eats fish, but has been known to subsist on other meats, fruits and vegetables. There are some species of mermaid that may feed solely on human flesh, but this has not been confirmed. Habitat The mermaid is able to exist equally on land and in the sea, although it can become dehydrated if on land for extended periods of time. Most mermaids live in schools or pods, but some are known to travel as hermits.
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