A sociable sunfish that has reportedly missed its human audience during the temporary closure of Japanese aquariums found comfort in an unorthodox way.

In a photo released by the Kaikai Museum in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, a sunfish swims in front of a row of photos of human faces plastered on uniforms.

The aquarium said on its X account earlier this month that the move was a “last resort” to address health issues with the sunfish, which one staff member attributed to isolation.

This apparently worked. “Looks like I’m feeling better again!” the aquarium wrote on X the next day.

After the aquarium closed for renovations in December, the sunfish stopped eating jellyfish and began rubbing their bodies against the tank, the Mainichi News reported on Monday.

Some staff initially suspected parasites or digestive problems, but one said the fish might have become lonely without visitors in the tank.

Sunfish can be found in all oceans around the world, but they are a delicacy in Japan. They are believed to live up to 10 years in captivity, but are not commonly found in aquariums due to the intensive care required to keep them.

The Kaikyokan sunfish is about 80 centimeters (31 inches) long and weighs nearly 30 kilograms (66 pounds).

Staff member Kato Mai told the Mainichi Shimbun that the sunfish came to the aquarium a year ago and has a “curious” personality. “When tourists approach the aquarium, it will swim towards them.”

The aquarium said in its

The post received an outpouring of support from social media users. Some shared photos and videos from their previous visits to the sunfish, while others pledged to check it out once the aquarium reopens.

This isn’t the first time Japanese aquariums have come up with innovative solutions to entertain the animals in their care.

During the pandemic, zoos around the world have reported that their animals Lonely due to lack of visitorsAn aquarium in Tokyo held an Eel’s ‘Emergency’ Video Call CampaignThey believe they are uncomfortable with humans after not seeing them for a long time.