Meet the real life Little Mermaid, whose sunset swims with her STINGRAY pals attract scores of tourists

THESE incredible pictures show the moment a real life Little Mermaid swam with dangerous STINGRAYS.

Margaux Maes, 19, donned a vibrant yellow and orange mermaid tail and matching bikini top as she dived into the crystal clear water to splash around with the rays at sunset.

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The stunning snaps were taken by Margaux Maes' mum, wildlife and underwater photographer Ellen Cuylaerts, off the coast of the Cayman Islands - a British Overseas Territory of three islands in the western Caribbean Sea.

The photos show Margaux Maes paddling in the Sandbar at Stingray City, Grand Cayman - a popular tourist spot featuring a natural submerged ridge which has risen to the surface of the ocean, resulting in localised shallow water and an abundance of stingrays.

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Although stingrays are unlikely to actually attack a human, they will sting if they are stepped on in the water - which is very painful and can cause swelling, muscle cramps and infection, but is rarely fatal.

But Margaux Maes' mum insists that far from being threatening, in reality the Grand Cayman stingrays are friendly creatures who are used to receiving plenty of attention.

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Ellen, 46, originally from Belgium, explained: "Very close to where we live is the Sandbar, a shallow sandy patch which is sheltered from the elements by the reef.

"The stingrays come there every day, and are used to visitors.

"There's no better way to relax than to snorkel with stingrays, swirling around and massaging your back.

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Margaux Maes attracts a lot of attention from tourists

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"Magaux Maes loves to swim in the ocean with a mermaid tail – it always attracts people and she talks to them about what we can to do keep healthy oceans.

"As a family we spend a lot of time in the water with the rays – they like to rub on my shoulder, and they'll always pose for a selfie.

"We love visiting the Sandbar, it's a unique place and we're lucky enough to live right by it!"