The depiction of mermaids has remained largely consistent since the time of the ancient Greek scientist Aristotle. A typical mermaid is characterized by having two eyes, opposable thumbs on their hands, a large head, the ability to speak, and a lower body that lacks limbs, ending in a fish-like tail. Artists often illustrate the lower half of a mermaid's body with scales, but in reality, their skin is wrinkled and covers a lower body that lacks a thick layer of fat, which restricts them to living in warm seas.
According to numerous eyewitness accounts, there are three types of mermaids in the world: those along the Mediterranean coast, the Native American mermaids of the Atlantic coast of the Americas, and the Eritrean mermaids found in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. These mermaids are omnivorous, feeding on algae, mollusks, and fish. At night, they crawl into shallow waters to lure humans with their songs, turning them into prey.
Mermaid civilization has not developed to a high degree due to their aquatic lifestyle, which limits their use of fire and metal. The ocean lacks textile fibers, preventing the invention of fabrics and clothing. Nevertheless, they are still able to reproduce and cultivate many edible mollusks and plants. However, the extinction of mermaids may be attributed to the development of coastal fishing industries and increasing ocean pollution, leading to a surge in jellyfish populations that harm mermaid skin.
Despite records from witnesses indicating that mermaids were once widespread, encounters have become increasingly rare since the Age of Discovery, to the point where they are nearly extinct today. This phenomenon may stem from the invention of sailing ships and steamships, as well as the decline in the spread of superstitions following the advancement of scientific knowledge. Ultimately, mermaids were completely extinct by the mid to late 20th century.
