Scientists in Ghana think they have solved the mystery of mermaids.

   The sea goddess may be the West African Manatee.

   The manatee is a large aquatic mammal and females have breasts and teats.

   "When spotted in night, its scaly body against the moonlight creates the impression of half fish and half woman," said Dr Mamaa Entsua-Mensah.

   She said its length often ranges from two to four metres and they can weigh up to 450 kilograms. "

   "They have very small eyes, no external ears, a short neck with forelimbs modified as fins, no hind limbs and a rounded fin in place of a tail," she said.

   "They live in rivers and the sea.

   "The mammals are spotted mainly in the night because they rest during the day and feed mainly at night," she added.

   West African fishermen consider 'Mami Water' as sacred and do not talk about her except after some rituals, reports the AllAfrica.com website.