A Heartwarming Friendship Between a Man and a Fish Lasted Nearly 30 Years After He Saved Its Life
While dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, a Japanese diver has formed an extraordinary bond with a fish that has lasted for decades. This unusual and heartwarming friendship will make you believe in miracles. Keep reading to learn more about this dynamic duo who are making waves!
Believe it or not, underwater friendships are real.
Over 25 years ago, Hiroyuki Arakawa, a Japanese diver, met Yoriko, an enigmatic Asian sheepshead wrasse, during one of his dives. This chance encounter sparked a remarkable connection that defied the boundaries between humans and the aquatic realm.
Since their initial meeting, Arakawa and Yoriko’s bond has flourished into a deep and enduring friendship. Whenever Arakawa approaches the shrine, a simple tap on a piece of metal summons Yoriko, who swiftly arrives by his side. In a video, Arakawa can be seen sharing a gentle kiss with his aquatic companion, symbolizing their extraordinary friendship.
Arakawa nursed Yoriko back to health by feeding her crabs daily. To make things even more interesting, he claims that Yoriko’s face resembles that of a human, but only from a specific angle. And here’s the best part: he swears that she recognizes him. It’s as if they share an inside joke or a secret understanding.
Arakawa explains, “I guess she knows that I saved her and that I helped her when she was badly injured. I think anyone can get an animal’s attention by feeding them.” Decades have passed since Yoriko’s health struggles, but she is thriving. With limited information on their lifespan, Asian sheepshead wrasse can reach up to 3.2 feet.
A study has even revealed that fish are capable of facial recognition.
In the study, tropical archerfish were trained to recognize human faces by spitting water at chosen images on a monitor. Even when faced with new faces, they were able to accurately pick the previously learned face, surpassing expectations.
A researcher at the University of Oxford said, “Fish have a simpler brain than humans and entirely lack the section of the brain that humans use for recognizing faces.” However, numerous fish exhibit remarkable visual behaviors, making them ideal candidates for testing whether simple brains can accomplish complex tasks.
The world beneath the waves never ceases to amaze us. There are even real-life superhumans with the unusual ability to live practically like fish. These people can confidently imagine themselves swimming 200 feet below the ocean’s surface for up to 13 minutes. It turns out that these abilities aren’t merely the result of dedicated training.
