Aquarium Experiment Shows the Power of Human Connection

A Lonely Sunfish Finds Solace in Human Faces

Mambo, a sunfish residing in the Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, fell ill shortly after the facility closed for renovations in December 2024. Concerned about the creature's declining health, animal caretakers initially suspected parasites or digestive issues. However, a breakthrough came when an employee suggested that Mambo might be lonely due to the lack of visitors.

Despite skepticism, the aquarium staff decided to decorate Mambo's tank with photos of human faces and aquarium uniforms. The next day, Mambo's health remarkably improved. The aquarium believes that the sudden disappearance of visitors had indeed affected Mambo's well-being, highlighting the emotional sensitivity of these creatures.

With further observation and interactions with staff, Mambo's health fully recovered. However, the aquarium remains closed until summer 2025, leaving Mambo without regular human interaction. The aquarium hopes that Mambo's story will raise awareness about the emotional needs of animals and the importance of responsible human interaction.

Mambo arrived at the Kaikyokan Aquarium in February 2024 from off the coast of Kochi Prefecture. At the time, it was 79.5cm long and weighed about 28kg. Since then, Mambo has grown slightly larger, and its gender remains unknown.

Ocean sunfish, also known as mola mola, can grow up to 335cm long and weigh up to 2.5 tons. These omnivorous fish can live up to 10 years in captivity and are harmless to humans. They primarily feed on jellyfish but will also consume small fish and algae.

Despite their size and unusual appearance, sunfish are listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.