Once again, mermaids are a great subject for this approach thanks to the variety of textures contained within a single figure. The opposing textures of scales, skin and hair mean that even a line work mermaid tattoo still contains enough contrast to remain interesting. 

7. Dark Themed and Skeleton Mermaid Tattoos

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While many people are only aware of the fairy tale depictions of mermaids—see The Little Mermaid—that we are familiar with from childhood, there is a much darker interpretation of these mythical creatures that has a much older history. In fact, some of the earliest stories told of beautiful mermaids that would lure fishermen to their deaths as a way to pay atonement for the souls of their kindred fish that these anglers had caught over the years.

More and more people love to get tattoos that hark back to this earlier, more macabre interpretation of mermaids. Some people give their woman hollow eyes, a rotting half fish half body corpse, and mouths full of razor sharp teeth, while others use the skeleton of these aquatic chimeras as the subject for their tattoos.

While it’s not what most people think of when they hear of a mermaid and beauty, there is no denying the appeal of these spooky amazing tattoos.

Mermaid Tattoo FAQs 

What do mermaid tattoos symbolize? 

Mermaids are powerful symbols of femininity, the ocean, and transformation and change. 

Though it is true that there are depictions of male counterparts, most stories tell of mermaids, with the upper bodies of beautiful women and the lower half of fish. Mermaid tattoos can highlight these feminine characteristics and become interesting commemorations to the wearer’s respect for the feminine aspects of nature.