The Cuddling Mermaid: lying back on your partner with the legs raised together
The Cuddling Mermaid is a penetrative position, vaginal or anal, in which both partners lie face up, one on top of the other. The penetrating partner lies on their back with knees bent and feet flat, and wraps an arm around the receiver's waist. The receiving partner lies back on their chest and raises both legs, together and straight, toward the ceiling, holding them by the calves. The partner underneath moves from below. It is a close, enveloping embrace that asks for flexible hamstrings.
Also known as: Mermaid position
Anatomy and biomechanics
The penetrating partner lies on their back, knees bent and slightly apart, feet flat on the bed or floor. The receiving partner lies back on top, with the back resting on the other's chest and the pelvis on their pelvis, both looking up. Once penetration is in place, the receiver raises both legs together and straight up toward the ceiling and holds them by the calves; the shape of the legs, like a mermaid's tail, gives the position its name. The partner underneath holds the receiver by the waist with one arm and moves the pelvis upward from below, with short movements and medium depth, pushing off the feet. The receiver's weight rests on the other partner. There is no eye contact, but body contact is wide.
Why this position works
Many couples like the enveloping feel: the receiver lies wrapped in the other's arms, with the whole back in contact. The legs held together can make the fit feel snug, and the partner underneath has a free hand to caress the receiver's chest, belly or genitals. There is no eye contact or easy kissing, though a kiss on the neck is possible by turning the head. It demands flexibility in the receiver's legs, so it often works best in short stretches.
Variations of this position
Variation 1: knees bent toward the chest
Instead of raising the legs straight, the receiving partner bends the knees and draws them toward the chest, still together.
Bending the knees removes the stretch on the hamstrings, so almost anyone can hold it; the pelvis tilts a little more and the angle changes slightly.
- Get into the basic position, lying back on your partner's chest.
- The receiver bends the knees and draws them toward the chest, legs together.
- Hold the legs behind the knees.
- The partner underneath moves gently from below.
Variation 2: raised legs opened in a V
The receiving partner keeps the legs raised but opens them into a V, holding one ankle in each hand.
Opening the legs eases the stretch and makes the fit less snug; it also leaves the genital area more accessible to the hand of the partner underneath.
- Start in the basic position with the legs raised together.
- The receiver opens the legs into a V, keeping them raised.
- Hold one ankle or calf in each hand.
- The partner underneath can use the free hand to caress while moving.
Variation 3: the partner underneath propped on pillows
The penetrating partner rests head and shoulders on two pillows, so they are half reclined rather than flat.
Raising the upper body of the partner underneath brings their mouth closer to the receiver's neck and ear and spreads the receiver's weight more comfortably.
- The penetrating partner props two pillows behind head and shoulders.
- The receiver lies back on their chest as in the basic position.
- The receiver raises the legs together.
- The partner underneath can kiss the neck and hold the waist while moving.
✓ Tips
- Get into position first and raise the legs afterward: lie back, achieve penetration, then lift the legs together.
- If the hamstrings pull, bend the knees slightly or hold the legs behind the thighs instead of the calves.
- The partner underneath moves with short, gentle thrusts; the angle bends the penis downward, so avoid sudden or deep movements and stop if it hurts.
- For anal sex use plenty of lubricant and a condom, and let the receiving partner guide the depth.
- If the weight on the partner underneath becomes uncomfortable, change position; a pillow under their head and shoulders helps.
Key facts
- Interaction type
- Vaginal or anal penetration from below, with the receiving partner lying back on top and legs raised
- Active anatomy
- Penis; hand (optional)
- Receptive anatomy
- Vagina or anus
- Main stimulation
- Vaginal or anal penetration from below at medium depth, with the receiving partner lying back on top
- Setups and participants
- Couple · 2 people Hetero
Frequently asked questions
Is The Cuddling Mermaid difficult?
The effort is moderate, but keeping the legs straight and vertical takes good flexibility in the back of the thighs. Bending the knees makes it much easier.
Who controls the movement?
Mostly the partner underneath, pushing up from the feet. The receiver can adjust the angle by bringing the legs closer to the chest or tilting them away.
Can it be used for anal sex?
Yes. Use plenty of lubricant and a condom, prepare first and go slowly; the receiver can control depth by shifting the pelvis.
Is there any risk for the penis?
With the receiver lying back on top, the penis is angled downward. Short, gentle movements and stopping if it slips out or hurts reduce the risk of bending it.
Safety and evidence
Scientific context for common terms used on this page. Keeping these terms makes the content easier to understand; the sources clarify what is established and what remains uncertain.
G-spot: what the evidence says
“G-spot” is a widely used term for a sensitive area of the anterior vaginal wall. Scientific literature has not established a discrete anatomical structure with an agreed location, size and nature; sensitivity and response can vary between individuals.
Reviewed by the editorial team ·
Related sex positions
Prone Bone
The receiving partner lies face down with knees bent, while the penetrating partner lies over their back, propped up…
The Pleasure Spiral II
She kneels on the bed with her legs slightly apart, supporting her torso on her forearms. He positions himself…
The Coffee Dance: Backstage Whisper
She leans over an elevated surface, supporting her elbows and shoulders, while he positions himself behind. Posterior…
The Oasis Dance
She kneels with her hands resting on the floor or an elevated surface, while he positions himself behind. His hands…
Side Scissor on an Exercise Ball, Kneeling Partner
Rear penetration with manual stimulation
The Deer Dance
A doggy-style variation with the chest lowered: the receiving partner rests on knees and forearms with hips raised,…
The Afrodisiac Pot
The penetrating partner sits on the edge of the bed, leaning back on one hand; the receiving partner sits on their…
The Pleasure Candelabra
Reclined reverse cowgirl: he lies on his back, she squats astride him facing his feet and leans back on one hand.
The Hummingbird Dance
She positions herself on top, with her knees on the mattress and her hands on his shoulders. He holds her hips to…
Venus's Anvil
The receiving partner lies on their back with knees pulled to the chest and feet by the other person's shoulders; the…
The ConquistaDor II
In The ConquistaDor, the receptive person lies on their back with their legs bent and resting on their partner's…
The Rose Garden
The penetrating partner lies on their back while the receiving partner sits astride their pelvis facing their feet,…