| Ningyo | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| |||
| Naming | |||
| Binomen | N/A | ||
| Original | 人魚 | ||
| Romanization | Ningyo | ||
| Morphology | |||
| Body type | Ichthyoid | ||
| Intelligence | |||
| Sentience | Sentient | ||
| Sapience | Sapient | ||
| Ecology | |||
| Place of origin | Japan | ||
| Habitat | Sea | ||
| Locomotion | Swimming | ||
| Behind the Scenes | |||
| Universe | Real | ||
In Japanese, the word Ningyo (人魚) is used to refer to any kind of mermaid, including traditional western types. In other languages, it has been used to refer to a specific type of mer-creature originating from Japanese folklore.
Biology[]
Ningyo have been traditionally depicted as fish-like creatures with a humanoid head or face, and sometimes have hair. Additionally, they might be represented with grotesque monkey-like facial features, sharp teeth and a pair of small horns. Their voices sound similar to a flute or a bird's song.
The most notable thing about Ningyo is that eating their flesh results in remarkable longevity and extended youth. A person who eats it may easily live up to 800 years. However, catching a Ningyo is considered a sign of incoming storms and general misfortune, so fishermen usually throw them back when they catch them.