Fish Variety

The biggest and most diverse family among the merfolk. To get to know the traits common to the bodies of these mermaids it is easiest to use real fish counterparts as an example, since they are most likely to possess all of the fish traits of the merfolk verity.

While knowing the anatomy of merfolk is not a must it may help you understand and talk about yourself and your partner(s).

Fishes have many subspecies and even one of them have their own characteristics worth getting to know about.

External anatomy of merfolk

Many merfolk belong to the fish variety, although Merfolk may differ from one another they bare many features in common.

Fins

Scales & mucous

Most merfolk of the fish variety have scales. There are overlapping plates, similar in structure to teeth. These tend to be thin (with exceptions) and have the function of protection, camouflage (through reflection and colouring) and some degree of hydrodynamics.

Even so, merfolk fish scales have a good sense of touch even through the scales. With some hidden erogenous zones may be specific to species or individual. However, one many many have in common is the lateral line which extend along the fishtails flank, often parallel with their spine. The lateral line's function is to detect small vibrations and currents in the water and can sense nearby moments in the water. In some fish it is can be distinctly seen, possessing a different colouration while in other's it can will only be noticed through careful observation for modified scales.

The lateral line on a goldfish

Take note that touching merfolk's tail - or any scaled fishes tail for that matter - in a counter-scale manner tends to be unpleasant and therefore considered rude in merfolk society.

Above the scales is a layer of living skin in the form of mucous or slime. This is very important for the menfolks immunity system and should never be allowed to dry out. In the event that such should happen, a menfolks magic may kick in to counter the effect, but generally it will result in weakening the individual and ending in sickness and at length - ****.