Merman

Mermen are a common, recurring enemy in the Castlevania series. They have appeared in every game, except for two. While called Mermen in the games, their appearance is based more on the classic Creature from the Black Lagoon that was popular in the Universal Monsters. Therefore, the more fitting title for the Mermen is "Gill-Men". In the original Japanese, they are called "Razor-Fin".

Overview
Mermen have been a thorn in the side of heroes whenever water is involved in their adventures. Mermen like to jump up from the water and begin to march towards the hero. After a while, they stop and fire a fireball towards the hero from their gaping mouths. After a while, they will normally hop back into the water, or sometimes continuing marching around looking for heroes to attack.

Mermen are closely related to the Fish-Men that are also sometimes called Mermen as well, but have more fish-like appearances. However, Fish-Men act similarly, if not exactly, to Mermen, and this makes things confusing sometimes. In some situations, there names and/or likenesses are interchangeable.

In 3D Castlevania games, and some 2D Castlevania games, Mermen also like to roll up into a ball with their sharp, pointy fins outstretched, and dash into heroes near them for extra damage.

Mermen also like to take their clawed, webbed hands and slash at heroes as well, so it is wise that adventurers keep a good distance between them and the Mermen, but not enough so that the hero can't attack them.

Lastly, Mermen are almost ALWAYS found near water. Wherever there is water, Mermen are usually near. It is best for heroes to be careful as Mermen have a nasty habit of occupying platforms over water and sending a careless hero into a watery grave.

Types
The typical Merman is red and shoots fire from his mouth on occassion. Sometimes the fireballs are replaced with water, but that is usually done by creatures that are variations of the common Merman. Some variations include:


 * Fish-Men
 * Fish Head
 * Triton

...and on one occassion, Mermen even appeared as a boss!


 * Giant Merman

Appearances
The usual Merman that leaps up from water and shoots fire can be found in the following games in the Castlevania series:

NOTE: Any game where a Fish-Man appears and is known as, or acts as, a Merman is also credited.


 * Vampire Killer
 * Haunted Castle
 * Castlevania
 * Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
 * Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
 * Castlevania II: Belmont's Revenge
 * Castlevania Legends
 * Super Castlevania IV
 * Castlevania: Bloodlines
 * Dracula X: Rondo of Blood
 * Castlevania: Dracula X
 * Akumajo Dracula X68000
 * Castlevania Chronicles
 * Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
 * Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness
 * Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
 * Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
 * Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
 * Castlevania: Lament of Innocence
 * Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow
 * Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin