Man Slammed for Turning Car Bonnet into 'Aquarium' with Fish Gasping for Air: 'This is Abuse!'

In a shocking display that has sparked outrage online, a man in China is facing severe criticism after transforming his car's bonnet into a makeshift aquarium, leaving the fish visibly struggling for air.

The man sealed several large fish beneath a plastic sheet stretched across his Li Auto L9's bonnet, creating what he called an 'aquarium' — but what animal welfare advocates are calling a slow-motion execution.

Videos of the grotesque spectacle, filmed on a busy roadside, show the creatures gasping in shallow, leaking water while curious onlookers gathered to document their suffering.

The Li Auto L9: From Luxury SUV to Viral Spectacle

The Li Auto L9 stands as one of China's most talked-about electric SUVs. Boasting 408 horsepower, a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, and a luxurious cabin, this technology-rich family vehicle aims to challenge top models from Europe and Japan. However, an owner's unusual modification recently shifted all attention from its impressive features to some struggling fish.

Videos began circulating on social media platforms such as Weibo, TikTok, Reddit, and X, showing an L9 on a city street with its bonnet noticeably swollen under layers of plastic filled with water and several live fish.

The peculiar arrangement was a blend of practical joke and artistic display. The water was held securely between a decorative vinyl wrap and a protective TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) film.

The 'Aquarium' Incident: A Fishing Trip Gone Wrong

According to the owner, Liu, the concept emerged after he left a bucket behind on a fishing trip. Consequently, he poured water and fish directly onto the bonnet's surface.

Liu informed reporters that he never intended for the tank to become a viral sensation. He stated it was a one-time fix following his fishing trip and even cautioned others against copying his actions. However, the internet had other plans. Once the video clips began to circulate, people were captivated.

Trapped between two plastic sheets, the fish swam in warm water under the sun as pedestrians gathered to film. While some online commenters found humour in the situation, most did not, with the term 'cruelty' appearing frequently. The fact that Liu seemed to take pride in his creation only intensified the adverse reactions.

Viral Outrage: Public Backlash and Police Intervention

The widespread engagement eventually drew the attention of the authorities. According to the traffic police in Liaoning Province, Liu's actions breached Chinese vehicle modification laws. By sealing water and live animals onto the electric SUV's exterior, he radically overhauled the vehicle's structure, while also creating a road hazard.

As reported by United Daily, officials labelled the car unfit for road use and deemed the vehicle could not be legally driven in its altered state. Modifying a vehicle's bodywork in a way that compromises safety is strictly prohibited under Chinese traffic law.

It is still unclear whether or not Liu received a fine, but the warning was unequivocal: aquarium bonnets are not permitted. This incident serves as a stark reminder that while personalising your vehicle can be appealing, it's crucial to understand and adhere to local vehicle modification laws.

What Car Mods Are Legal in the UK? Here's What You Can and Can't Do

Like China, the UK has clear rules on car modifications—but that doesn't mean customisation is off the table. Plenty of upgrades are allowed, so long as you follow the law.

Tinted Windows

Tinted windows are popular for their sleek, discreet look. As Sam Sheehan of Cinch puts it, they add 'secrecy and class'. But limits apply: windscreens must let in at least 75% of light, and front side windows must allow 70%. For vehicles built before 1 April 1985, the minimum is 70% for both.

Interior Decorations

Fuzzy dice and air fresheners are fine—unless they block your view. UK law requires drivers to maintain clear visibility. Breaches can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points. Stickers must not obstruct views or display offensive content.

Car Lighting

Modifying car lights is tricky. The Road Vehicle Lighting Regulations 1989 states:

• Front lights must be white or yellow.
• Rear lights must be red.
• Blue or green lights are banned, as they mimic emergency vehicles.
• Neon underglow is allowed—but it must not flash, sit at the rear, or distract other drivers.

Noisy Exhausts

Loud exhausts might sound great to some, but they're tightly regulated. Most vehicles must not exceed 74 decibels. For newer models (2016 onwards), the cap is 72 decibels. Compliance is tested via the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA), and police can check on the spot.

Sound Systems

Upgrading your stereo is fine, but blasting music could land you in trouble. Rule 148 of the Highway Code advises against distractions like loud music. If it prevents you from hearing traffic, you could be fined up to £5,000.