This is the shocking moment a driver was seen parading his modified car with live fish inside a tank installed on the bonnet.

Footage shows cod fish wedged inside the transparent container, barely able to move their fins in Shenyang, China.

Concerned motorists gathered around the bizarre hatchback to get a closer look at the animals, which appeared to be in distress, on July 11.

The car owner explained that he often forgets to bring a container for the fish he catches, which gave him the idea to turn his vehicle's bonnet into a makeshift fish tank.

The car drew criticism among locals, with many calling the setup 'cruel and irresponsible'. They feared the fish could be cramped, suffocated from the lack of oxygen, and overheated by the engine.

Some urged authorities to take further action, citing concerns over animal welfare and road safety. Others slammed the owner for using live animals as a novelty, saying the stunt crossed the line between creativity and cruelty.

Traffic police condemned the modification, saying the vehicle was not roadworthy and posed serious risks both to the fish and to public safety, adding that the setup violated China's Road Traffic Safety Law.

Officials warned that the design could lead to accidents due to issues such as overheated water, distraction, and impaired vehicle performance.

The man, however, insisted that the car was never meant to be driven on public roads and claimed the installation was simply 'for fun'.