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5 Shocking Facts About The Viral 'Mermaid Attacked By Fish' Video: Mariia Zelenina's Ordeal

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The viral footage of a 'mermaid' being violently attacked by a massive fish has shocked millions across the globe, sparking intense curiosity and debate about the reality of professional mermaiding. As of late 2025, the story of Mariia Zelenina, a 22-year-old Russian performer, continues to circulate, serving as a stark reminder that even in controlled environments like aquariums, the unpredictable nature of marine life poses a serious threat to human safety. This deep dive reveals the shocking facts, the controversy surrounding the aftermath, and the crucial safety lessons learned from the terrifying incident. The event, which took place in a Chinese aquarium, was captured on video and quickly became one of the most talked-about aquatic incidents of the year, raising questions about animal welfare, performer compensation, and the inherent risks of swimming alongside giant, powerful fish.

Mariia Zelenina: The Mermaid Behind the Viral Attack

The central figure in this terrifying ordeal is Mariia Zelenina, a professional aquatic performer whose stage name is often cited as "Masha." Her commitment to the art of mermaiding has seen her perform in large-scale aquatic shows internationally.

  • Full Name: Mariia Zelenina
  • Stage Name: Masha
  • Age at Incident: 22 years old
  • Nationality: Russian
  • Profession: Professional Mermaid Performer/Aquatic Animator
  • Incident Location: Aquarium at Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, China
  • Attacker Species: Chinese Sturgeon (believed)
  • Noteworthy Detail: She is known for her graceful underwater performances and highly realistic silicone tail.

Zelenina's job, like that of many professional mermaids, involves holding her breath for extended periods, interacting with the marine environment, and providing a captivating show for aquarium visitors, especially children. This high-risk performance art requires not only exceptional swimming skills but also advanced free-diving certifications and a deep understanding of the aquatic animals sharing the tank.

The Frightening Encounter: What Really Happened in the Tank

The incident occurred during a solo performance in the large exhibition tank at the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park aquarium. The video footage shows Zelenina swimming gracefully near the glass when a colossal fish, later identified as a sturgeon, suddenly lunges at her.

Fact 1: The Attacker Was an Endangered Chinese Sturgeon

The fish involved was a large sturgeon, possibly a Chinese Sturgeon, which is a species known for its size and powerful build. Sturgeon are one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, and while generally docile, their behavior can be unpredictable, especially in a captive environment.

The sheer size of the fish allowed it to engulf the performer's head and upper torso in its mouth. While sturgeon do not possess sharp teeth like a shark, their powerful jaws and bony plates can cause significant trauma. The attack was not a predatory move but likely a territorial or feeding-related reaction to the performer's movements or costume.

Fact 2: The Fish Swallowed Her Goggles

In a horrifying detail captured on video, the giant sturgeon bit down on Zelenina's head, completely engulfing her face and swallowing her protective goggles. This act was not only terrifying but immediately compromised her safety, as she lost her vision and protection from the saltwater.

Zelenina's quick thinking and training allowed her to pull herself free from the fish's grip and rapidly swim to the surface. Eyewitnesses, including horrified children watching the show, saw the performer struggling to escape the massive creature.

Fact 3: Immediate Injuries and Hospitalization

Despite managing to free herself, Mariia Zelenina sustained injuries and was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. The force of the bite and the subsequent struggle left her shaken and physically hurt.

In the aftermath, Zelenina spoke out about the incident, confirming her injuries and dispelling rumors that she was forced to return to work immediately after the attack. Her candid account highlighted the physical and emotional toll such a traumatic event can take on a performer.

Fact 4: The Controversy Over Compensation

One of the most shocking elements of the story is the reported compensation offered to the performer. Initial reports suggested that the aquarium offered Zelenina a meager sum—reportedly around £78 (approximately $96 USD) in "moral damages."

This low offer sparked widespread outrage and fueled the debate over the ethical treatment and fair compensation of professional aquatic performers, especially those who work in close proximity to potentially dangerous marine life. The controversy brought international attention to the contractual and employment standards within the niche industry of aquarium entertainment.

Fact 5: The Incident Sparked an Urgent Call for Better Aquarium Safety

The viral nature of the attack served as a wake-up call for the entire professional mermaiding community. The incident immediately prompted discussions and an urgent call for stricter safety protocols in aquarium tanks that house both performers and large, wild animals.

Experts and fellow performers began emphasizing the need for:

  • Enhanced Risk Assessment: Thorough evaluation of the temperament and potential hazards posed by all marine life in the performance tank.
  • Physical Barriers: Consideration of temporary or permanent barriers to separate performers from aggressive or territorial fish during shows.
  • Advanced Training: Mandatory, rigorous training in emergency procedures, including rapid ascent and self-rescue techniques.
  • Dedicated Spotters: Having a dedicated, highly-trained safety diver or spotter in or near the tank during every performance.
  • Tail Material Review: Assessing whether the bright, shimmering colors of mermaid tails may inadvertently be perceived as prey or a threat by certain fish species.

Aquarium Safety and the Perils of Professional Mermaiding

The job of a professional mermaid, while seemingly fantastical, is fraught with real-world dangers that extend far beyond holding one's breath. The incident involving Mariia Zelenina brought the inherent risks of working in an aquatic ecosystem into sharp focus.

Marine Animal Behavior: Even in captivity, marine animals retain their natural instincts. Fish like sturgeon, while not typically aggressive toward humans, can react unpredictably to stimuli, such as the sudden movement of a brightly-colored tail, a reflection from a mask, or even the scent of a new material. The attack was a clear example of how a fish's natural reaction can turn dangerous for a performer.

The Equipment Factor: Mermaid tails, while beautiful, restrict the performer's ability to move freely and quickly in an emergency. The loss of her goggles, which are essential for underwater vision, further compounded Zelenina's danger. This highlights the critical importance of secure, reliable equipment and the need for performers to be able to quickly shed their tails in a crisis.

Industry Standards: The mermaiding community is pushing for standardized "Mermaid Tank Safety Rules" across all major aquariums. These rules aim to protect performers from the very real dangers of decompression sickness, water contamination, and, most urgently, aggressive animal encounters. The goal is to ensure that the pursuit of a magical show does not come at the expense of a performer's life or limb. The tragic viral video has become a powerful, if unfortunate, catalyst for this necessary change in industry safety protocols.

5 Shocking Facts About The Viral 'Mermaid Attacked By Fish' Video: Mariia Zelenina's Ordeal
mermaid attacked by fish
mermaid attacked by fish

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