A 22-year-old performer from Russia, dressed as a mermaid, experienced a frightening incident while performing in an aquarium in China on January 30, 2025. During her act, a giant sturgeon unexpectedly sucked her head into its mouth, startling the audience, which included children. Although the performer managed to ascend without further incident, she sustained injuries to her face, neck, and eye.
- Mermaid performer shares tank with sturgeon
- Sturgeon briefly sucks performer's head
- Performer suffers facial and neck injuries
- Michael Domeier clarifies fish identity
- Sturgeon are large but not dangerous
- Feeding behavior may explain sturgeon's action
The incident was captured on video and shared widely on social media. While some viewers mistakenly identified the fish as a shark, marine expert Michael Domeier clarified that it was indeed a sturgeon, a large freshwater fish known for its powerful feeding behavior.
The performer was entertaining an audience when the sturgeon, which is known for its size and feeding habits, unexpectedly interacted with her. Sturgeon are large, toothless bottom feeders that can extend their mouths significantly while feeding. They primarily consume food from the bottom of their environment, which can sometimes lead to unexpected encounters with humans in close quarters.
Key details about the incident include:
- The performer was 22 years old and from Russia.
- The event took place in China.
- The sturgeon is a freshwater fish, not a shark.
Despite the injuries sustained, the performer was reportedly instructed to return to the water. The exact reason why the sturgeon interacted with her remains unclear, but it appeared to have taken her goggles during the encounter. Sturgeon, while not typically dangerous, can be powerful and should be treated with caution due to their size.
This incident highlights the risks associated with live performances that involve aquatic animals. While sturgeon are generally not harmful, their size and feeding behavior necessitate a level of respect and caution from performers and trainers alike.
The incident involving the mermaid performer and the sturgeon serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live animal performances. While the performer was able to recover from the encounter, it underscores the importance of safety protocols in environments where humans and large aquatic animals interact.
