Mermaid

A Mermaid is a life state that appears in The Sims 3: Island Paradise. Mermaids are playable, just as with other occult life states. Both male and female mermaids are possible, though both are referred to as mermaids.

Becoming a Mermaid
Sims can become a mermaid in the following ways:


 * Buying the "Mermadic Kelp" lifetime reward.
 * Obtaining Mermadic Kelp from a mermaid.
 * Having a child with a mermaid. (50% chance the Sim is non-mermaid, 100% if both Sims are mermaids.)

Appearance
Mermaids look like normal Sims from the torso up, but have colorful tails while in the water. On land, a mermaid's tail will turn into colorful, scaly legs. Females have a seashell bra while underwater. The color of the scales and seashell bra can be changed in the mirror by using the "Change Scale Color" interaction. The tails between males and females are also differently shaped. Toddler and Child mermaids also have fish scales and they can change color as they grow older, but you have the power to change the color. Child mermaids won't grow tails when in the water, they will only have them when they become teens.

Abilities
Mermaids differ from other Sims in the following ways:


 * Mermaids can stay underwater indefinitely.
 * They have a "Hydration" motive.
 * Can summon other mermaids.
 * Can summon sharks if they have the Evil trait.
 * Will not be attacked by the Kracken.
 * Can die of dehydration.
 * Gain max diving skill upon becoming a teen.
 * Mermaids can eat normal food, but prefer kelp & fish.

Hydration Motive
Mermaids have a Hydration motive which can fulfilled by going into salt water, going into a pool, taking a shower/bath, or being in the rain if Seasons is installed. If the motive starts getting too low, Mermaids will start to dry out. First, they become chapped, then get flaky, before finally collapsing to the floor. If another Sim does not splash water on them within a given amount of time, the Mermaid will die.

Trivia

 * The mermaid was mentioned in The Sims Medieval, in one of the random events in docks.
 * The Sims 3: Seasons has two clothing pieces and a hairstyle which have a look akin to a mermaid.
 * It has been confirmed that Mermaids will not be attacked by the kraken that lives in the underwater cave as shown in the trailer.
 * If a mermaid has the Evil trait, they can also summon sharks.