A sunfish at the Kaikyokan aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, began to show signs of distress after the facility closed for renovations on December 1, 2024. The fish, which had been a popular attraction since its arrival in February 2024, stopped eating and exhibited unusual behavior, prompting its keepers to take action to improve its condition.
- Sunfish lost appetite after aquarium closure
- Human cutouts helped sunfish recover
- Sunfish arrived from Kochi in February
- Staff suspected audience absence affected fish
- Aquarium set to reopen in summer
In an effort to alleviate the sunfish’s stress caused by the absence of visitors, staff created human cutouts to simulate an audience. The following day, the sunfish ate for the first time in nearly a week, indicating a positive response to the intervention, according to aquarist Moe Miyazawa.
The Kaikyokan aquarium, located in southwestern Japan, has been home to a sunfish that quickly became a favorite among visitors. The fish’s unique shape and large eyes contributed to its popularity. After the aquarium closed for renovations, the sudden lack of an audience seemed to affect the sunfish’s health, leading to concerns about its well-being.
Initially, the staff suspected the sunfish had digestive issues and reduced its food intake. Despite attempts to comfort the fish during construction noise, it continued to show signs of distress. During a staff meeting, the idea emerged that the absence of visitors might be impacting the sunfish’s behavior.
In response, staff members created cutouts resembling humans, complete with smiling faces, and placed them outside the tank. This innovative approach proved successful, as the sunfish ate for the first time in a week the next morning. The aquarium staff have since increased their visits to the sunfish, hoping to maintain its recovery. They are optimistic that many fans will return to see the sunfish once the aquarium reopens in the summer of 2025.
The intervention at the Kaikyokan aquarium highlights the importance of social interaction for certain species, even in captivity. The sunfish’s recovery after the introduction of human cutouts demonstrates how creative solutions can address animal welfare concerns.
