Mesmerise commander at centre, displaying fish-like creature (6)

I believe the answer is:

merman

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'fish-like creature' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'mesmerise commander at centre' is the wordplay.
'mesmerise' becomes 'mer' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'at centre' indicates the central letters.
The central letters of 'commander' are 'man'.
'mer'+'man'='MERMAN'

'displaying' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for merman that I've seen before include "fishy character" , "Fabulous creature" , "Half man, half fish" , "Ethel --, singer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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