River Sphinx (Nile Mermaid)

Commonly referred to as the River Sphinx, the Nile mermaid was once a revered, respectfully feared and auspicious inhabitant of the Nile River. Believed to be the consorts and companions to the Egyptian god Hapi, River Sphinxes were considered demigods of prosperity. Their presence in the Nile was an indicator of the rivers health. Along with the nilometer of Elephantine, the priests would monitor the River Sphinx’s behavior as a precursor and omen of flood or famine in the Nile.  

Unlike many of their European relatives, the River Sphinx is communal, living in family groups made up almost entirely of females. While each unit does have a single siring male, the unit is governed by matriarchal law. Adolescent males tend to school together until they are breech into a pod or create a new one. Family units can be found throughout the Nile river feeding on fish, waterfowl and have even been known to hunt down caiman.