Companion goldfish united to free a trapped peer from stones in eastern China.

The video was filmed in Tai'an City in Shandong Province on April 6.

A goldfish found itself trapped in a crevice, prompting a remarkable show of solidarity from its companions. Witnesses observed several other goldfish swimming anxiously around the crevice, seemingly attempting to rescue their trapped peer.

Ms. Wei, a bystander, reported that her child initially discovered the distressed fish during play and called her over. Upon seeing the concerned behaviour of the surrounding fish, her immediate instinct was to help free the trapped fish.

She quickly alerted staff members who assisted in removing the stone and liberating the goldfish.

Experts in ichthyology explain that such behaviour might stem from a mating chase, commonly observed during the breeding season.

This phenomenon occurs as mature female goldfish release specific pheromones prior to laying eggs, attracting male fish. The males may bump against the females or make contact with their bodies as a precursor to releasing sperm.

This activity is crucial for external fertilisation in fish, where the male releases sperm immediately after the female lays eggs to ensure fertilisation, all taking place underwater.

The video was provided by local media with permission.

Goldfish attempt team rescue of trapped companion in eastern China
4月6日，山东泰安，一只金鱼被卡在了石缝中，其他几只金鱼不离不弃地游动在石缝周围，看上去想要去“营救”自己的同伴。
目击者韦女士介绍，是自己孩子在玩的时候发现这条鱼被困了，把自己叫过来查看，当时看到周围的鱼都很焦急的样子，不知道当时被困的鱼的情况，第一反应就是把它救出来，就把工作人员叫了过来帮忙拿掉了石头。
对于此事，有鱼类专家解释，这可能是由于母鱼产卵导致的追逐现象。公鱼追母鱼的行为通常发生在繁殖季节，这是一种求偶行为。成熟的母鱼在排卵前会释放出特定的信息素，吸引公鱼的注意，导致公鱼频繁追逐母鱼。公鱼可能会用头顶撞母鱼的腹部，或者用身体碰撞母鱼，这些都是它准备排出精液的迹象。当母鱼产卵时，公鱼会紧接着排出精子，以确保鱼卵受精。这一系列行为是在水中完成的，因为鱼类的受精是在体外进行的。