The gemara asks what is a dolphin, whereby Rav Yehuda answers "B'ney Yama". Rashi's explanation of B'ney Yama is that "there are fish in the sea which are half human and half fish."
Is Rashi speaking of a mermaid? I was under the impression that such a creature was nothing more than a myth..
Also are there any other sources that speak about this particular Gemara/Rashi in depth?
Thank you,
Ivan Weinstein
Ivan,
We discussed this topic in brief in the Insights to the Daf
http://www.dafyomi.co.il/bechoros/insites/be-dt-08.htm .
You will find an excellent and comprehensive discussion of the identity of Benei Yama in Rabbi Nosson Slifkin's book, MYSTERIOUS CREATURES -- INTRIGUING TORAH ENIGMAS OF NATURAL AND UNNATURAL HISTORY, available online at http://www.targum.com/store/Slifkin.html . It is a fascinating book.
Y. Shaw