Siyokoy (Philippine mythology)

In Philippine mythology, a siyokoy (syokoy) is an aquatic humanoid creature with scales, webbed limbs, and fins. Most folklore accounts describe the siyokoy as being hostile to humans, and are often associated with drownings.

While the siyokoy is often compared to the Western mermaid due to the Philippines' colonial history, its etymology suggests that it is actually of Chinese origin, which is highly plausible given that China-Philippines relations go as far back as 982 AD ), predating Western colonization of both countries.