On January 20, 2025, staff at the Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, found a creative solution to help a lonely sunfish that became unwell after the aquarium closed for renovations. The aquarium staff attached uniforms to the tank to simulate the presence of visitors, which led to the sunfish’s recovery.
- Sunfish at Japanese aquarium became unwell
- Staff used uniforms to cheer up fish
- Sunfish improved after interaction with cutouts
- Lack of visitors caused fish to stop eating
- Ocean sunfish can weigh up to 1,900 kg
- Other aquariums also adapted during lockdowns
When the Kaikyokan Aquarium closed for renovations in December 2024, the sunfish, known for its curiosity, began to show signs of distress. It stopped eating its jellyfish meals and started rubbing against the tank, prompting staff to investigate the cause of its declining health. They initially suspected digestive issues or a possible parasite infection.
In a unique approach, one staff member suggested that the sunfish might be lonely due to the absence of visitors. Although the idea seemed unlikely, the team decided to try attaching staff uniforms to the tank. Remarkably, the next day, the sunfish appeared healthy again, swimming actively around the tank.
The aquarium shared images of the sunfish interacting with makeshift “people” made from cardboard cutouts and uniforms. This innovative method not only provided visual stimulation for the fish but also allowed staff to maintain a connection with it during the renovation period. Ocean sunfish are known for their size, with some weighing up to 1,900 kilograms and measuring nearly 3.3 meters long, although this particular fish is smaller.
This incident highlights the bond between animals and human interaction, as seen in another case during the Covid-19 lockdown. Tokyo’s Sumida Aquarium engaged volunteers to FaceTime with its spotted garden eels, helping them adjust to the lack of visitors. Such creative solutions underline the importance of social interaction for many species.
The Kaikyokan Aquarium’s experience with the sunfish emphasizes the significance of human interaction for certain species. By creatively addressing the fish’s needs, staff were able to restore its health, showcasing the potential for innovative solutions in animal care.
