Creature thought to inspire mermaid legends Crossword Clue

 The creature thought to inspire mermaid legends crossword clue is MANATEE. Manatees are large, slow-moving mammals that live in shallow coastal waters and rivers. They have a long, paddle-like tail and a round, human-like head. This combination of features may have led to the belief that they were mermaids.

Here are some other creatures that have been suggested as inspiration for mermaid legends:

Dugongs are another type of marine mammal that is closely related to manatees. They are found in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Selkies are mythical creatures from Scottish folklore. They are said to be seals that can transform into humans.

Sirens are creatures from Greek mythology. They are said to be beautiful women who lured sailors to their deaths with their singing.

It is likely that the mermaid legends were inspired by a combination of these creatures. The exact origins of the legends are unknown, but they continue to fascinate people to this day.