Atargatis Mermaid
Names: the North Atlantic Mermaid, the Sea Maid
Habitat: the northern half of the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea
Size: 4 to 6 feet long, including stretched tail fins
Diet: omnivorous; vegetation, fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic prey
Reproduction: protogynous fish; oviparous
Society: 3 - 6 females; occassionally one male present in the summer
Lifespan: 16 - 25 years
Seemingly part woman, part fish, the Atargatis Mermaid is a creature of great fame. Seen predominantly off the coast of Gaul or on the northernmost, Atlantic Ocean's shores, though they have human-like appearances, they are considered to be "Fishapods" or "limbed fish," distantly related to the Tiktaalik. As 'in-between' organisms, merfolk exhibit half-fish, half-tetrapod limb bones, joints, auditory structures, and other characteristics, such as functional wrists combined with fish-like fins instead of fingers.
Atargatis Mermaids are named after the ancient Syrian goddess of protection and fertility. Unlike other merfolk, they do not prey upon large organisms, like humans; in fact, they have been known to help those lost or troubled at sea instead. This species is known for their bright coloration: ribbony headdresses of reds, oranges, or yellows and scaley bodies of green, blue, and purple.
Many have written about the Atargatis Mermaid (i.e. Pliny the Elder). Considered the merfolk species that is the most human-like, several recount an attraction towards the entities in their descriptions or tales. Throughout time, these mermaids have been theorized to be halflings - the children of human-fish unions - or the result of human diseases, such as sirenomelia.