A hybrid foldamer constructed from six cholate units and two methionines was labeled with a DANSYL (DNS) group. The foldamer was solubilized by surfactant micelles to allow its usage as a fluorescent sensor for mercury ions present in the micromolar range in aqueous solutions. Its sensitivity was largely independent of the concentration of nonionic surfactants but was strongly influenced by both the nature and the concentration of ionic surfactants.