A 22-year-old Russian performer, known as a mermaid, was attacked by a large fish while swimming in an aquarium in Xishuangbanna, China, on January 29, 2025. The incident, which was captured on video, left the woman with injuries to her head, neck, and eye, although she managed to escape the fish’s grasp and swim to safety.
- Disturbing aquarium attack on mermaid performer
- Woman injured by fish in Xishuangbanna
- Employer offered minimal compensation to performer
- Previous piranha attack injured 15 in Brazil
- Authorities warn against swimming in affected areas
- Piranhas have powerful bite force capabilities
The attack occurred during a performance at the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, where the mermaid performer was entertaining guests. Witnesses reported that the fish attempted to clamp its jaws around her head, leading to a chaotic scene as onlookers screamed in horror. Fortunately, the performer was able to break free, but the fish did consume her goggles and nose clips.
Following the incident, the performer was offered approximately £78 in “moral damages” but was reportedly prohibited from discussing the attack. This has raised concerns about the safety protocols in place for performers in such environments. The aquarium features a variety of native species from the Mekong and Yangtze Rivers, although the specific type of fish involved in the attack has not been disclosed.
In a related incident, piranhas attacked swimmers in Brazil last year, resulting in injuries to 15 people. Local authorities attributed the attacks to illegal fishing and food waste in the water during the spawning season. They have since erected warning signs to prevent further incidents. Piranhas are known for their strong bite force, which can be up to 30 times their body weight, making them a significant threat in the water.
This recent attack highlights the potential dangers that performers face in aquatic environments, particularly when working with large fish. It raises questions about the safety measures that should be implemented to protect both the performers and the audience.
The attack on the Russian performer serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in aquatic performances. As the industry continues to grow, ensuring the safety of performers must remain a top priority to prevent similar incidents in the future.
