Why does the merlion spurt water out from its mouth?

The Merlion, a national symbol of Singapore, spouts water from its mouth as a representation of the city's origins. The lion head symbolizes Singapore's original name, Singapura, which means "Lion City," while the fish body represents its history as a fishing village. The water spouting reflects the importance of water in Singapore's development and serves as a popular tourist attraction, enhancing the visual appeal of the waterfront.