In recent days, a peculiar car modification has caught the attention of internet users and animal rights groups: the hood of a car converted into an improvised aquarium It's been a hot topic of conversation. The protagonist of this story is a Chinese driver who, tired of traditional accessories to personalize his vehicle, opted for something completely unusual: installing live fish and crustaceans under a transparent cover on the front of his car.
The event, which took place in Liaoning, China, has shaken Asian social media. The owner of a luxury SUV, model Li Auto L9, decided to modify the existing space between the hood and the engine to fill it with water and house aquatic animals. To achieve this, he used a hermetically sealed plastic sheet to allow the fish to be observed while it was moving, although the consequences came much sooner than expected.
From oblivion to global virality
As the host himself recounted on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, the idea came about accidentally: During a fishing trip, he forgot his bucket at home And, faced with the need to transport his catches, he improvised using the front passenger compartment of the car. This spontaneous gesture triggered a wave of interactions on social media, and videos and photographs of the surreal transformation immediately began circulating, attracting significant attention, both for its creativity and for the controversy it generated.
Some people even thought it was a image generated with artificial intelligence due to the extravagance of the invention, but it was soon proven to be completely real. It went viral so much that animal rights groups were quick to denounce what they considered a form of animal abuse and called for the immediate removal of the rolling aquarium.
Social debate and reactions of the authorities
The invention sparked a climate of tension and debate online. Criticism came not only from animal rights activistsAutomotive experts and anonymous citizens also pointed out the many problems this could cause. Some recalled that the heat above the engine could be lethal to animals brought in, while others warned about possible water leaks or damage to electrical systems and vehicle mechanics.
Far from being intimidated, the creator of the automotive aquarium came to publicly clarify that never drove the car with the fish inside, insisting that it was a one-off occurrence. However, Chinese authorities intervened to remind that this modification is illegal and warned that any vehicle with unapproved modifications intended for transporting animals in this manner may be fined.
The trend crosses borders and its dangers
The Chinese case has not been the only one: other workshops and individuals, as seen in Uzbekistan, have tried to replicate the idea of the fish tank on the hood with similar results in terms of social reaction. The phenomenon reached international media, where disbelief and concern for animal welfare were the general tone of the comments. The main concern of experts is that this practice exposes animals to unnecessary suffering and risk, in addition to representing a potential threat to road safety.
Social media has served as a platform for both proponents of originality and those who denounce its ethical and legal implications. Some users have joked about the trend, while others have called for international bans to prevent its spread.
The legal framework outside China: fines and sanctions
In Spain and other European countries, making these types of changes to the vehicle is expressly prohibited by current legislationTraffic regulations require all modifications to be approved and guarantee animal welfare. Installing a fish tank with live animals on the hood can lead to a fine of up to 500 euros., the vehicle's immobilization, and the requirement to pass an extraordinary vehicle inspection (ITV) to be able to drive again. Furthermore, you could incur charges for animal cruelty or violations related to the transportation of living beings without proper safeguards.
For all these reasons, before making any such changes for aesthetic or practical reasons, it is essential to consider respect for animals, current regulations, and the safety of all road users.