TOKYO AP β A solitary sunfish at an aquarium in southwestern Japan lost its appetite, began banging into the side of the fish tank and appeared unwell days after the facility closed last month for renovations.
As a last-ditch measure to save the popular fish, its keepers hung their uniforms and set up human cutouts outside the tank. The next morning, the sunfish ate for the first time in about a week and has been steadily recovering, said Moe Miyazawa, an aquarist at the Kaikyokan aquarium in Shimonoseki. The large sunfish arrived at the aquarium in February from the southern coast of Kochi in the Pacific Ocean. The sunfish, a member of the blowfish family known for its unique shape and big eyes, became one of the most popular attractions at the facility.
When the sunfish began looking unwell days after the aquarium closed on Dec. Then at a staff meeting, one person suggested that the sunfish might have been affected by the sudden absence of an audience.
They hung their uniforms and placed human-shaped cutouts with photos of smiling faces outside the tank to cheer on the fish, Miyazawa said. The staff now visit more often and wave at the sunfish. The aquarium keepers say they hope many fans will return to see the sunfish when the aquarium reopens in the summer. Skip to content. Election Results. Your Vote Virginia. Presidential Election Map. Virginia Interactive Results. West Virginia Interactive Results.
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