In the shallow waters where the coral grow, live the reef mermaids. Where their open ocean cousins sport long glistening fish-like tails, the reef mermaids’ bottom halves more resemble a small shark. Their small, sleek bodies can swim quickly and precisely among the coral and they live peacefully with the other creatures living in the reef.
The reef mermaids are even more rare a sight than other mermaids. While the deep sea mermaids delight in breaking through the ocean surface to play in the sun, or play with the sailors, the reef mermaids, though living in shallow waters, do not like to swim too close to the surface. And, although the reefs are frequented by divers, they are rarely spotted as they have keen senses, sharp reflexes, and know where to hide. Even when they are spotted, they are mistaken for reef sharks. They are not curious about humans like other mermaids; they are very cautious creatures.
Sadly, the reefs, and the reef mermaids, are in danger. As the coral reefs die out, the reef mermaids must venture out in the ocean to find living reefs to make their home. This means these solitary creatures are having to live closer to one another, which can cause territorial fighting. It is unknown how, or if, the reef mermaids reproduce, since they live so far from each other and don’t seem to be either male or female. So, with their habitats disappearing, the rare reef mermaid may soon disappear as well.
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I guess this isn’t so much a tale as it is lore for a new creature I made up. It’s fun to imagine mermaids with different sea creatures as their bottom halves, and I really like sharks. (But I’d definitely want an octopus as my bottom half, if I were a mermaid.) And seriously, the reefs are dying and it's a real problem for real creatures on the planet, including us!
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Photo source: https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-insights/perspectives/a-future-for-coral-reefs/