The YouTube channel "Hiraka Hiroshi" has been making waves recently, with the YouTuber's daring experiment involving a giant deep-sea fish's venomous barb sparking a ton of discussion. The video has already racked up over 370,000 views, with countless netizens expressing awe and concern for his bravery.
Hiraka Hiroshi is a globetrotting biological writer dedicated to unearthing fascinating stories from the animal kingdom. This particular video was filmed off Ishigaki Island in Okinawa Prefecture, where his mission was to uncover the true identity of a "super-sized" deep-sea fish that had eluded him three years prior. In waters approximately 650 to 700 meters deep, Mr. Hiraka successfully reeled in a massive Dasyatis ray, measuring 149 cm across and 238 cm long.
Hiraka Hiroshi then took things a step further, testing the venom and sting of the Dasyatis ray's barb. He deliberately pricked his left arm with the sharp, barbed stinger, immediately experiencing intense pain. According to Hiraka, the sting was comparable to that of a Japanese stingray, another species with a venomous tail spine. He also warned viewers that deep-sea fish often have toxins in their surface mucus, urging extreme caution when handling such creatures.
Five hours after the sting, Hiraka's wound continued to bleed and struggled to heal, accompanied by a dull ache and numbness. Four days later, internal bleeding became apparent, and his left arm still felt significantly uncomfortable. These symptoms clearly indicated the venom was still actively at work.
After the video dropped, the comment section exploded with exclamations of awe and praise. Some viewers declared, "His bravery is truly admirable," while others humorously quipped, "Every time I see a new video, I know Hiraka is still alive and well!" Meanwhile, fans also made sure to remind Hiraka to stay safe and sent their best wishes.
Hiraka Hiroshi's channel also released follow-up videos showcasing the Dasyatis ray's cooking process and continues to share animal knowledge across social media platforms. His new book, "My Unstoppable Love for Insects," published in September 2023, offers even more captivating content for readers passionate about the biological world.