okay, maybe not a national symbol persay, but the merlion of Singapore (aka Singa Pura (Kota Singa = Lion City)) may as well be

instead, I think he was the official symbol of the Tourism board, with statues and merchandising all over the city.

Tried to actually render an underwater effect, sure I'm still lacking in most details, but I'm getting there.

Merlion © Singapore Tourism Board, who still own the rights to his image despite no longer having him as the official mascot