Aquarium fish comforted with human photos during closure in Japan

A sociable sunfish at a Japanese aquarium, which had been struggling with health issues during a temporary closure, has found comfort in an unconventional solution.

The Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, posted a photo showing the sunfish swimming in front of a row of human face photos attached to uniforms, a measure they described as a "last resort" to address the fish’s loneliness.

Staff suspected that the sunfish, which had stopped eating jellyfish and began rubbing its body against the tank, was suffering from isolation after the aquarium shut down for renovations in December.

Initially, staff thought the fish might have parasites or digestive problems. However, one team member suggested that the sunfish might simply be lonely without the usual visitors.

After the photos were placed in front of the tank, the sunfish appeared to improve. The aquarium later shared an update saying, "It seems to be in good health again!"

The sunfish, which arrived at the aquarium a year ago, weighs nearly 30kg (66 lbs) and measures about 80cm (31 inches). Known for their curious personalities, sunfish are capable of living up to 10 years in captivity, though their care is challenging, making them rare in aquariums.

The aquarium’s creative solution has garnered an outpouring of support from the public. Social media users shared photos and videos from past visits, with many expressing their eagerness to return once the aquarium reopens.

This isn't the first time Japanese aquariums have used innovative approaches to address the emotional needs of animals. During the pandemic, a Tokyo aquarium organized a virtual "emergency" video call event for its eels, who had grown restless from the lack of human interaction.