Merfolk

Merfolk are a classification for various monstrous humanoid races that have the features, and forms of humans combined with any mnumber of aquatic animals. The traditional imaged of merkfolk are those that have the top half of a human, and the lower half being the tail of a fish. But there are also merfolk that possess crab legs, octopus tentacles, or simply possess gills and webbed phalanges, though the last being considered humanoids.

Deep Sea
Deep Sea Merfolk tend to be more primal, and live in small familial groups or be completely solitary. These merfolk typically have attributes of deep sea fish, such as anglerfish. They also tend to be the largest. Deep Sea Merfolk do not breathe air naturally.

Open Ocean
Open Ocean Merfolk are often the more musical mermaids that people are familiar with. Their ranks also include the crustacean merfolk.

Coastal
Coastal Merfolk are known for their architecture, and they actually have towns and settlements. They also tend to farm underwater cattle in the form of fish and other fauna. Coastal Merfolk hate the River Merfolk, and vice versa.

River
River Merfolk are highly nomadic, travelling up and down the lengths of large rivers.


 * Mammalian merfolk cannot breathe underwater. Leading Mythobiologists to often reconsider their classification as merfolk.

Trivia

 * Races are determined by the type of animal features they possess, and even further based off of the range of physical traits.
 * Typical classifications include, Deep Sea, Open Ocean, Coastal, River, and to a much lesser degree In Land.
 * Merfolk are commonly mistaken for members of the Fae or even more so as Sylvan Hominids.