This is a commissioned piece done by Autumn Lorne on deviantart.com:
http://autumnology.deviantart.com

In this picture, we have three giant mermaid sisters, (from top to bottom) Iarae, Talise, and Meriel, frolicking near the sea floor. They are playing a simple game of chase, with Iarae holding a piece of luminous seaweed for the others to try to snatch. Barely visible in the gloomy background is an adult whale, which should give some indication of the size of these giant mermaids - around 200 feet from head to tail.

The three sisters do not appear in any stories I've written thus far, but I do have ideas for one or two in the future. The next commission involving these three mermaids can be found here: http://aryion.com/g3/showitem.php?id=182058

Their species is a larger cousin to the abyssal mermaids (also known as flash mermaids), another deep ocean dweller. Being denizens of the deep, they do not often travel to the surface. They spend most of their time in the ocean depths, where the light of the sun never penetrates.

All of their communication occurs via two methods. At close range, they use their intricate set of photophores for signaling and simple exchanges. These same lights are also used to indicate mood, as well as to lure, mesmerize, and even stun their prey during hunting. At longer range and for more involved conversation, they use a form of telepathy. They are reluctant to use this method with anyone other than close friends due to the openness of the interaction.

They are powerful, speedy swimmers with incredible endurance. If something catches their notice, there is little chance of escape should they decide to give chase. Smaller beings know to seek cover in crevices and caves when they are out on the hunt. By nature, they are more inquisitive than voracious, but when a 200-foot long, potentially hungry predator is bearing down, it is best not to assume they are friendly.

Surface dwellers know little about what goes on in the deep ocean areas these creatures inhabit. They do not pose much of a threat to ships or swimmers simply because they so rarely visit the surface. There are stories of sailors having met, conversed telepathically with, and survived encounters with these strange mermaids, but these tales are few and far between. As some pessimists have said, it may also be the case that there are far more encounters with these mermaids than have been reported, but in most cases the unfortunate sailors do not live to tell of the experience.

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