Horror as ‘mermaid’ performer is attacked by giant fish inside aquarium in front of terrified spectators

A performance in a Chinese aquarium took a sinister turn after one of its 'mermaid' performers had a run in with a giant fish in the tank, with the 'terrifying' footage having since gone viral.

On the off-chance you've been lucky enough to avoid the grim clip on your Instagram or Twitter feeds, the video shows the 'mermaid' getting attacked by a giant fish inside of an aquarium in front of a bunch of horrified spectators.

The incident took place at the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park in China.

The giant fish was filmed attacking a Russian mermaid animator mid performance (East2West News)

It involved a 22-year-old Russian mermaid animator, known as Masha, who was in for the shock of her life when the hefty creature opened its jaws around her face.

Luckily for Masha, she was able to quickly break free and swim up to the surface as the fish swam away - seemingly unperturbed by the whole thing which reportedly left onlookers in a state of absolute horror.

Take a look at the nail-biting moment here:

Masha, however, wasn't unscathed by the ordeal as her head, neck and eye were wounded by the unspecified fish, according to Russian reports, which published photos of her bruised and cut-up face.

Additionally, her goggles and nose clips were also damaged.

She was reportedly offered just £78 in 'moral damages' following the incident, according to Russian reports.

Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park has faced allegations of trying to 'cover up' the incident at the aquarium which features native species from the Mekong and Yangtze Rivers, as well as other rare amphibians.

Masha's head, neck and eye were wounded by the unspecified fish (East2West News)

After catching light of the incident, people rushed to social media to share their reactions with one Twitter user writing: "Just be glad it took off her goggles and stopped!"

"That was probably really scary/terrifying," penned a second, while a third chimed in: "That was sudden as sh*t!"

A fourth chirped: "Wow, her whole head is in its mouth!"

"I wasn't ready for that," quipped another as final user echoed: "Horrifying."

Reports in the Russia have alleged that the woman was forced back into the aquarium (East2West News)

According to a travel website, the 'park gives prominence to the features of primeval forest, wild animals and ethnic culture and custom'.

"It is highlighted by three major themes: primeval forest, wild animals and ethnic folklore. And you can also enjoy and play a part in the local ethnic activities such as the Dai Water Splashing Festival, Aini capture marriage custom and the grand ethnic performances," it adds.

"The park is located in a valley, famous for its three main characters - Primitive Forest, Wild Creature and Minority Culture."

LADbible Group has reached out to the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park for comment.