This Japanese Diver Has Been Visiting His Fish Friend For 25 Years [Video]

For twenty-five years, this diver has greeted a fish named Yoriko with a kiss. The footage solidifies the notion that animals — including fish — are smarter than previously thought.

Credit: YouTube

Though few people think of fish as sentient beings, a recent scientific study actually shows that the creatures are capable of recognizing human faces. This is a big deal, as Dr. Cait Newport from Oxford University explained. He told CNN,

“Scientists presented the fish with two images of human faces and trained them to choose one by spitting their jets at that picture. The researchers decided to make things a little harder. They took the pictures and made them black and white and evened out the head shapes. You’d think that would throw the fish for a loop. But no, they were able to pick the familiar face even then – and with more accuracy: 86%!”

Like pigs, fish are far smarter than previously thought. And, a video of Japanese diver Hiroyuki Arakawa greeting his friend of 25 years, an Asian sheepshead wrasse named Yoriko, solidifies this notion. In the video below, Arakawa can be seen giving his long-time friend Yoriko a kiss. Reportedly, it’s just the way they greet each other.

Arakawa met Yoriko and other sea creatures twenty-five years ago when he was tasked with overseeing the Shinto religion’s shrines called torii, located on the surface of Japan’s Tateyama Bay.

Japanese diver Hiroyuki Arakawa greets his friend of 25 years, Yoriko, with a kiss.

Credit: YouTube

The duo has been greeting each other for nearly three decades.

Their first encounter was when Arakawa was tasked with looking after an underwater Shinto shrine.

Credit: YouTube

Since then, their friendship has only grown!

Credit: YouTube

Watch the video below:

Footage of the two greeting each other in friendly fashion inspires one to believe that fish truly are more than just food. What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!

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