Merman near Leghorn (Livorno), Italy

Letters from Leghorn of the 15th, tell us, that there has been seen in those Seas a terrible Mermaid, or rather Merman; that it shews it self at least 13 or 14 Foot high above the Water; but if any Boat or Vessel makes towards it, then it makes a strange frightful Noise, and plunges into the Sea. Several have seen it, represent it as the most hideous Monster that has ever been seen in the World.

From Weekly Journal or Saturday's Post, August 31st, 1717.

Image of 2nd century mosaic,  by Ken and Nyetta