The sea is full of exotic creatures the land living creatures know nothing of. Mermaids and mermen have their own society underwater full of amazing metropolises. They live among the creatures of the deep and of course, breath water, but if they surfaced to the air they would suffocate like when we go into the water if we don't hold our breath.
Enjoy the beauty of their society with amazing buildings or ancient architecture. The rumor is told that the merpeople used to be an intelligent society that lived above the waters. There was a day a curse was lay upon them and their city sank and the only option was to combine with the fish of the sea to live once again with their beloved city.