A Diver's Unlikely Friendship with a Fish

Contrary to the popular belief that fish have short memories—hence the phrase 'memory of a fish'—scientific studies conducted by researchers at Oxford University have shown that certain fish species are capable of recognizing and remembering human faces with nearly 90% accuracy. This is precisely why the following story has captivated and moved people across the internet:

It all began around 25 years ago when a 79-year-old Japanese diver named Hiroyuki Arakawa came across a tired and injured Asian sheepshead fish, known for its somewhat human-like features. Arakawa took pity on the fish, which due to its injury appeared 'dead', and decided to feed it for ten consecutive days. "Since then, every time I dive, I recognize it from a distance as it swims toward me. It plays with me, swims by my side, and I kiss it on the 'forehead'. I never thought such a deep friendship could exist between a human and a fish.

"I would say we understand each other, even though we can't talk to one another. This is a beautiful species of fish, and if you look closely, it reminds you of human faces you might know. I believe anyone can receive such attention from an animal they pity and feed. However, the interaction between us still surprises me, as it is truly rare. Not every fish you feed remembers you or comes to visit you when you are in its territory," Arakawa shared.