The aquatic animal started catching attention on February 16, when it was found surfacing by a local who happened to pass by a ditch in Hien Son Commune, in Nghe An’s Do Luong District.

Attempts to catch the fish were unsuccessful even with the use of electrofishing equipment, giving rise to rumors that the animal must be a divine being trapped inside the body of a fish.

Since then, the curious animal has drawn a crowd of hundreds who gather around its habitat to watch it resurfacing and sinking numerous times in a day.

Many even offered fruits, sweets and incense to the “holy fish” to wish for a successful year.

The story quickly gained traction on social media, prompting even more people from neighboring communes to travel to the area to meet the animal.

According to Nguyen Quang Dung, chairman of Hien Son Commune, initial reports from local police identify the fish as belonging to a freshwater species with similar features to those of black carp.

The animal is estimated to weigh about two kilograms, Dung said.

“This is the first time that we’ve been informed of sightings of such a strangely behaving fish during Tet. A meeting of local authorities will be held on February 21 to find a way to deal with the animal,” Dung said.

The "holy fish" is seen swimming in a ditch in Hien Son Commune, Do Luong District, Nghe An Province in north-central Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Offerings to the “holy fish” are placed near the ditch. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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