Fish have feelings also– at least if a lonely bream in a Chinese aquarium is anything to go by.
Pet carers at the Kaikyokan in the southern area of Shimonoseki were concerned when Mambo the bream appeared to fall poor, immediately after the hospital closed for repairs in early December.
Staff took several steps to perk up the thing, with minimal results.
They immediately suspected worms and digestive problems as Mambo stopped eating jelly and began rubbing its figure against the plastic container, reported the Mainichi Shimbun.
But a discovery came when an individual suggested that the bream may be depressed due to the lack of customers, the pond said in a social media post earlier this month.
Despite being convinced of the “99 per share” possibility that it would not job, staff decorated the fish tank with images of human eyes and ocean uniforms.
An image shared by the ocean showed holes of mind stuck to the wall, alongside outfits draped on clothing hangers and a plate.
It worked- Mambo’s heath improved the very next day.
“ I honestly can’t feel it, but the specific currently on display was very curious and often came close to the front of the container when visitors were present, ” said the aquarium, adding that it was probable that the sudden disappearance of visitors did certainly impact health.
Thanks to further observation and more waving from staff members, Mambo’s health returned to normal.
There is still some time to go before the fish gets a regular stream of real human visitors as the facility is slated to reopen sometime in summer this year.
MOLA MOLA
According to the Mainichi Shimbun, Mambo arrived at Kaiyokan from off the coast of Kochi Prefecture in February 2024. At the time, it was 79. 5cm long and weighed about 28kg.
It has since grown slightly larger and Mambo’s gender is unknown, said the report.
The ocean sunfish, also known as mola mola, can grow up to 335cm long and weigh up to 2. 5 tons.
According to the National Geographic, the omnivorous fish can live up to 10 years in captivity.
Despite their size and unusual appearance, sunfish are harmless to humans. They primarily feed on jellyfish but will also consume small fish and algae.
It is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature ( IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.