Merfolk
Basic Information
Anatomy
Slightly taller than humans, Merfolk have a wide range of skin tones adapted to their environment. Lake dwellers, for example, will have darker skin to better blend in with the lake bottom. Their eyes are big and their hair has a slimy coating preventing it from getting in their faces. They have palmed hands and feet, as well as a tail used to move around in deeper water.
Males and females are difficult to tell apart for females do not have defined breasts. Fins replace their ears, and runs on their back as well as on their elbows and on the back of their ankles. They do not possess gills and have to come back up for air regularily.
Genetics and Reproduction
Merfolk reproduce by laying eggs. The female lays two eggs simultaniously, and several pairs each season, they lay these directly on flat sandy or muddy sea-beds. Due to the higher mortality rate of Merfolk, they do not nurse the eggs, which take between 5 to 10 months to hatch.
Records show that in some cases, females can reproduce without a male to fertilize the egg in a process known as Parthenogenesis.
Records show that in some cases, females can reproduce without a male to fertilize the egg in a process known as Parthenogenesis.
Growth Rate & Stages
The embryo within the egg takes between 5 to 10 months to hatch, after which the newborn needs to fend for itself. The group of their parent, depending on whether or not they migrate, can be far enough that the youngsters need to travel alone for several months. Maturity is reached around 10 years old and both sexes are fertile until their death.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Omnivorous beings, their diet ranges from weeds, underwater plants, grains and fruits from nearby trees, vegetables, to insects, fishes and even small animals. They typically do not run out of food, as they are able to dig deep with their hands and can keep up with most fishes.
Behaviour
Merfolk, unlike their Sea cousins, are more suited to calmer, more shallow waters such as shores, rivers and lakes. They tend to stay away from most other species as they are at great risk of being hunted. Distrustful in their approach, they make very tight and closed circles, even amongst themselves. It is not uncommon to see wandering merfolk individuals, although they are even more likely to fall prey to hunters.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Their eyes are very receptive to light, especially the change of intensity which makes them great hunters at any time of the day, but very bad at telling colors appart. Their strong tail can be used as an offensive tool. Although they are able to come up on land, hence starting a body process that erases their fins and tails, as well as gives them a more "human" appearance, they need to learn how to move their bodies under the effect of gravity. The submerssion under water gives them their aquatic form back.
