“The garden eels in particular have started to burrow themselves into the sand and hide even when aquarium (staff) pass by their tank,” they added.
This, the aquarium says, is a problem — the eels’ newfound shyness means staff are unable to check up on the fish and make sure they are healthy.
In order to keep their fishy friends socially engaged, the Tokyo aquarium is organizing a “Face Show Festival.” During the festival, which will run from Sunday to Tuesday, it will install five tablets near the tank.
The aquarium is asking members of the public to video-call the eels in an attempt to re-familiarize them with people.
Callers will be asked to wave and show their faces to the eels, but are reminded not to make loud noises, as this could upset them.