Dictionary of Ichthyology  

Jenny Haniver = a figure formed from dried fishes, particularly skates, rays and mantas, by seamen and passed off as mermaids and dragons to the gullible. Dating back to at least the thirteenth century, some are still extant 600 years after they were fashioned. The name origin is unknown; haniver being perhaps a corruption of Antwerp, an ancient seaport.
Natural History Museum, London; from Bay of Fonseca, Honduras. Photograph by Brian W. Coad.

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