On 2014-10-06 17:53, andrel wrote:
> My problem with the current placing is that as far as I know there is no
> muscle there that could move the fin. Somewhat higher up one might use a
> modified abdominal muscle.
> I think if you make a vertebrate it should conform to the body plan of
> vertebrates or at least be physiological plausible. That is why I am a
> fan of Terryl Whitlatch (and not only because of the extra 'l' at the
> end of her first name).

Structure of this mermaid is directly based on my own dolphin-tailed 
mermaid designs (which are more analogous to a centaur, having a two 
sets of forelimbs and an extended spine).  The placement of the 
nearly-vestigal dorsal fin corresponds roughly to that of a dolphin, 
while the 'pectoral fins' are morphologically analogous to replacing the 
legs of a human at the acetabulum of the pelvis with a dolphin's forelimbs.

references:
http://empyrean.deviantart.com/art/Mermaid-skeleton-105128891
http://empyrean.deviantart.com/art/Mermaid-musculature-136764629
http://empyrean.deviantart.com/art/Mermaid-anatomy-455530950

I had moved the 'pectoral fins' upwards from these drawings so they'd be 
a little better-balanced, visually (would work by rotating the 'femur' 
upwards, keeping its joints intact, just shifting where the limb exits 
the thigh), and made other minor changes as I went, but am trying to 
keep to my musculature layout.

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