Horrifying moment giant fish attacks mermaid performer's face in front of terrified children

Horrifying footage shows the moment a giant fish attacked a mermaid performer in an aquarium in China.

The Russian mermaid animator, 22, was filmed being attacked by the fish in front of aquarium spectators in Xishuangbanna, China.

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

In the clip, the creature is seen opening its jaws around her face, as onlookers at Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park reportedly screamed in horror.

As everyone held their breath, the animator quickly managed to break free and return to the surface.

Known only as Masha, the performer's head, neck and eye were wounded by the unspecified fish, according to local reports.

Watch below:

Her goggles and nose clips were also damaged.

Reports in Russia report that Masha was offered £78 in 'moral damages' following the attack.

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

Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park has faced allegations of trying to 'cover up' the incident at the aquarium.

The freshwater aquarium boasts native species from the Mekong and Yangtze Rivers, as well as other rare amphibians.

Over on Trip.com, the aquarium has received largely positive ratings, with one reviewer writing: "Tourists visit a newly-opened freshwater aquarium at the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park in Xishuangbanna, southwest China's Yunnan province on January 5, 2020.

"As the first of this kind in China, the aquarium is home to native freshwater species from the Mekong River, freshwater fish species from the Yangtze River and other rare amphibians.

The horrifying moment was caught on camera (East2West News)

"I was really impressed with the clean and high standard living conditions for the fish and reptiles.

"A little difficult to find your way around inside as not many English signs.

"There is also a 7D cinema which is well worth doing, kids will love it."

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

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

"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 contacted the Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park for comment.