While the illusion itself says it's supposed to be either a fish or a mermaid, people on the internet can spot anything but that.
It only feels like yesterday that the internet broke over a picture of a dress, with some claiming it to be blue and black while others insisted it was white and gold. It's 2022, and it looks like we're right back to square one, because here's another optical illusion that's leaving the internet divided.
If the caption of this image is to be believed, right-brained people are likely to see a fish, while left-brained people are more likely to see a mermaid.
Tell the truth. Does anyone actually see fish to a mermaid? Anyone? pic.twitter.com/896vFUqPi6
— Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@ananavarro) March 21, 2022
However, people were quick to note that the illusion is not new. A version of the drawing without the colorful background has been around for a long time and is referenced in a 2010 study published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology about children with autism. In the study, the children were tasked with determining whether a similar line image depicted a donkey or a seal.
Here's what people had to say about the optical illusion that left people scratching their heads
I thought it was a horse. What does THAT say about my brain...
— bleusharque (@bleusharque) March 21, 2022
Never mind. 😵💫🦈
I see a Kangaroo sucking a pacifier like it was at a rave, in addition to the seal, who looks like it's diving...
— THEE Kylie Minogue Stan Account⚖️💛🐝 (@SoloSportsComms) March 21, 2022
I seen the horse 1st then as I looked at it I seen the seal but I cannot see a mermaid no matter how I look at it. The fish is a stretch the mermaid is non-existent
— DizzyDee (@DizzyDees) March 21, 2022
My first thought was horse or donkey. I can also see a puffin, or maybe a penguin, sliding on its belly. But, then someone mentioned a seal & I can see that, too; or, a sea lion.
— JHinOH (@prayitsnotso) March 21, 2022
A fish is stretching it. A mermaid? Nope. No mermaids. Not even with the help of an edible.🤣
Cover Image Source: Twitter | Ana Navarro-Cárdenas (@ananavarro)