Captivity

Anatomy of a Mer

In this Chapter there will be some information about the Mer. I will just write down the information from the picture, but you still should look at it.

Average Live Cycle - 25 to 90 years

Average Length - 7 to 10 feet (210 to 300cm)

Average Weight - 260 to 150LBS

Unhinging  jaw, Teeth are primaly sharp, Neck is not attatched to base of skull like a human

Fiberous Mane: Physical display, Varies in length, Males use it to display health/age, Can be cut

Eyes: Forwart facing, slightly larger than humans, protective lense covers eyes, Pupils are slitted, dialate in catlike manner, Eyelashes for above surface protection. Protective lense: converse eye under water. Retracts above water.

Nose: primarily tracks blood in the water. can be used for smell above water.

Earfins: primarily expressive

Chest: No mamory glands. (no nipples)

longer ribcage

Arms: Primarily for scavenging, Kept close to body when maneuvering. Little steering capability. Webbing on hands.

Arm Guards: Usually barbed fins. Generally combat oriented. Can be used expressively. Mild steering

Skin: very small fine scales

Hip bone: Childbearing, allows mer to sit upright

Hip Fins: Strongest fins. Primarily for steering, Can be used expressively, Protective stance, Shielding young, Guard stomach

Soul Patch: Soft. smaller scales, Usually lighter in color, Sexuality, Males have a sheath. Most species have live birth

Midline: Centerline of body

Dorsal Fin: Usually runs length of back. (varies among species), Higly expressive, Mild steering capability, Primarily for streamline (cutting through the water)

Lateral Line: Line that runs along both sides of the body. Part of nervoussystem. Detects vibrations, Can be used as a form of bioluminescent communication, Males will have brighter lines during mating season.

Lower Fins: Hereditary, Not all mers have them. Mild steering capability. Helps with balance on longer tails. (not applicable to Danny)

Barb: Primarily weilded by females. Venomous, Usually on end of tail base. Can be on arm guards. (not applicable to Danny)

Tailfin: Primary propeller, Varies in appearance and structure. Some breeds have bone support.

Tail sweeps side to side (A few species will have up to down motion. Most swim like fish), Tail does not have a knee joint!! Tailfin is usually vertical not horizontal.

Genitalia: Mermian sexual anatomy is very similar to that of a dolphins. Males' length is sheathed unless erect. Some breeds protrude hooks around edge of sheath when erect. Used to remain connected during mating. Females generally retain their normal anatomy, although it is concealed by small scales. Receptive females will have a brighter colored soul patch. Area around vaginal area will become flush.

Lungs: Lungs work in tandem with gills. Acts as a swim bladder underwater.

Gills: Work in tandem with throat pallet and Lungs. Allow for oxygen transfer underwater. Closed above water. Some species have them on their ribs.