The Merlion (/ˈmɜːrˌlaɪən/) is the official mascot of Singapore. It is depicted as a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish

Merlion[1] (English Merlion, Kit. trad. 魚尾獅, upr. 鱼尾狮, pinyin Yúwěishī, Malay. Singa-Laut, also found transcription Merlion) is a symbol of Singapore, a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion. The word Merlion is formed from the words mer (sea, cf. mermaid — mermaid) and lion (lion).[2] The lion symbolizes strength and fearlessness, while Merlion's fish body emphasizes Singapore's close connection with the sea. The name of the city comes from the Sanskrit words singa (lion) and pura (city), as according to one of the legends, the name of the city was given by Prince Sang Nila Utama, who met a lion in the jungle. The prince took out his sword and prepared for battle, but after looking into each other's eyes, the lion and the prince parted in peace without harming each other.

The statue of Merlion in Singapore is based on the emblem of the city, designed in 1964 by Fraser Brunner commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board. The 8.6-meter-high and 70-ton concrete statue is installed at the mouth of the Singapore River. On September 15, 1972, the opening ceremony of Merlion Park was held, attended by the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew. On Sentosa Island, there is a 37-meter replica of the original statue in the recreation park.