SADO, Niigata Prefecture--An odd-looking fish that captured the hearts of local divers and even featured in a French documentary called "Oceans" is apparently no more.
The bulgyhead wrasse has not been observed for months in local waters, and divers, who nicknamed the creature "Benkei," assume the worst.
Called "kobudai" in Japanese, the fish likely died of old age, said local divers who held a memorial here on July 6.
Benkei, more than 1 meter in length, was first spotted in waters off the island's Kita-Koura beach around 1992. The local waters are a well-known habitat of the bulgyhead wrasse species.
With a big lump on its head, it was said to resemble the hooded Musashibo Benkei, a legendary warrior monk who served the warlord Minamoto no Yoshitsune in 12th century Japan.
Benkei was in the 2009 documentary "Oceans," a French film highlighting mysterious marine life around the world.
In the film, Benkei was shown fighting over territory with "Goru," from the same species, and seeking to claim the dominant role in this particular school of fish.
According to divers, Benkei had grown older and weaker in recent years. It was last sighted in December, and Goru has not been observed since last autumn.
Satoshi Awata, an assistant professor at Sado Marine Biological Station of the Faculty of Science, Niigata University, said: "Bulgyhead wrasses have a lifespan of about 30 years. Benkei and Goru were likely about that age."
Divers bade farewell to Benkei and Goru at an altar set up near the shore.
"I feel lonely, as if my alter ego is gone," said Ryo Honma, 67, who had watched Benkei for many years and helped coordinate shooting for "Oceans."
"But this is a natural course of events. I want to thank Benkei for having entertained us."
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