Tsunami fish facts for kids
The tsunami fish is a very special striped beakfish. This amazing fish survived a long journey across the Pacific Ocean! It lived for over two years inside a Japanese boat called Sai-shou-maru. The boat floated away during the huge 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
On March 22, 2013, the boat finally landed on a beach in Long Beach, Washington, in North America. This was more than 6,400 kilometers (4,000 miles) from where it started! Today, the tsunami fish lives safely at the Seaside Aquarium in Seaside, Oregon.
The Tsunami and Its Amazing Journey
The Tōhoku earthquake happened on March 11, 2011. It was the strongest earthquake ever recorded in Japan. This powerful earthquake caused a giant tsunami.
The tsunami swept the 6-meter (20-foot) long boat, Sai-shou-maru, out into the sea. Seawater filled the boat's storage areas. This water carried small sea creatures, including tiny striped beakfish larvae.
For two years, the boat drifted across the Pacific Ocean. During this long trip, the tiny fish grew into young fish. Scientists think the fish got into the boat either near Japan or near Hawaii.
How the Fish Was Found
The boat was found on the Washington coast on March 22, 2013. Inside, its hold had become like a natural "aquarium." It held five striped beakfish and over 30 types of plants and other sea creatures.
Most of the fish were removed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. They were worried that these warm-water fish could become an invasive species in the local waters. An invasive species is a plant or animal that is not native to an area and can harm the environment there.
However, one fish was saved! It was taken to the city hall in a bucket. The Seaside Aquarium then agreed to give the fish a new home. By late 2013, the tsunami fish was on display at the aquarium, where many people could come and see this incredible survivor.
