Underwater photographer and free diver, Yuki Nakano, swims in Hawaii, with a fish that has the cutest smile and it visits her every day. Even though she usually tries to keep her distance, this little fish wants to get close and friendly.
Nakano first met the the fish in February at a popular snorkeling point on Oahu. She immediately noticed that the adorable fish was injured from something stuck around his right eye. The fish was having trouble swimming straight and the wound appeared to be recent.
“When I first saw him, I was wondering why he was staying in the same place,” Nakano, “Even though he would normally run away.”
Nakano returned day after day to visit, and each time she spotted him in the same place.
Later in March, Nakano arrived to visit the porcupine fish, and the little guy was missing. Nakano was worried something had happened to the fish, considering it was injured and had trouble seeing. “I met him for days and he suddenly disappeared,” Nakano said. “I believed and waited to see him again.”
Nakano has posted videos and photos of the smiling fish, and the puffer has begun trending. People love his positive “just keep swimming” attitude and his sweet grin.
“He makes everyone happy,” Nakano said. “I like to think he is now the most famous Hawaiian fish.”