A 22-year-old performer dressed as a mermaid experienced a frightening incident while sharing an aquarium tank with a giant sturgeon in China on January 30, 2025. The performer was briefly sucked into the sturgeon’s mouth during her act in front of an audience, which included children, but managed to ascend without further incident.
- Mermaid performer injured by sturgeon in aquarium.
- Incident captured in footage from China.
- Performer remained graceful despite the surprise.
- Sturgeon identified as a freshwater giant.
- Adult sturgeon are large but not dangerous.
- Sturgeon may have stolen performer's goggles.
Despite her graceful exit, the performer sustained injuries to her face, neck, and eye. Reports indicated she was instructed to return to the water despite her injuries, leading to discussions on social media about the nature of the fish involved.
The incident occurred during a performance where the mermaid was entertaining an audience. Footage of the event captured the moment the sturgeon, a large and powerful freshwater fish, unexpectedly interacted with the performer. Sturgeons are typically toothless bottom feeders, known for their vacuum-like feeding behavior, which can lead to misunderstandings about their intentions.
Experts clarified that while sturgeons are not considered dangerous to humans, their size and strength warrant caution. The performer was reportedly instructed to return to the water after sustaining injuries, raising concerns about safety protocols in such performances. The sturgeon appeared to have stolen the goggles from the performer’s head, contributing to the confusion surrounding the incident.
Michael Domeier, a renowned shark expert, took to Instagram to confirm that the fish involved was indeed a sturgeon and not a shark, as some speculated. This clarification helped to dispel myths circulating on social media regarding the nature of the incident. The event highlights the need for safety measures when performing with large aquatic animals.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of live performances involving animals. While the performer managed to escape without severe consequences, the event raises important questions about safety and animal behavior in entertainment settings.
