A genus of marine mammals that includes the dugongs; large herbivorous sea creatures related to manatees.
From Greek 'hali-' (sea) and 'kore' (maiden, girl), literally meaning 'sea maiden.' Ancient sailors called these creatures by mythological names, confusing them with mermaids.
Medieval sailors reported seeing mermaids, but they were likely spotting dugongs! The scientific name 'Halicore' preserves that ancient wonder—ancient naturalists literally named them 'sea maidens' because of their mysterious appearance.
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