Wands that have mermaid scales or hair are, like chimera scales or basilisk skin, more often heirloom cores, often passed from generation to generation. They are very powerful, but very loyal to their wielder and hard to use if the wand is taken or won in a duel. These wands are temperamental, but tend to prefer those who are knowledgeable, but not greedy. These wands often do best with more outdoor magic. The scales do well with Transfiguration, while the hair does nicely with Astronomy and Potions.