Touching a sea turtle can cost you a fine of up to RM45,000 (NT$300,000) — but what if the turtle is the one making contact? In Xiaoliuqiu, Pingtung, a sea turtle was caught on camera seemingly mistaking a diver’s hair for seaweed and started biting it repeatedly. The hilarious scene had nearby divers laughing uncontrollably, while instructors later explained that such curious behavior from turtles is actually quite common.
The incident took place in the crystal-blue waters off Xiaoliuqiu, a popular diving spot known for its friendly sea turtles. In the viral footage, the turtle can be seen lowering its head and nibbling on the diver’s hair — once, twice, and then switching angles for another bite — as the diver stares back in disbelief. The companions filming the scene couldn’t stop laughing.
Divers joked online that the turtle probably thought the hair was “fa cai” (a type of edible seaweed and a pun for “getting rich”) and teased that the victim should ask the turtle to pay RM45,000 for a hair transplant.
Local diving instructor “Xiao Mai” said this type of mix-up happens often. “Yes, turtles sometimes mistake hair for seaweed,” he said. “But they don’t actually bite down hard or swallow it.”
However, not all human–turtle encounters are as harmless. Authorities reminded the public that anyone who intentionally touches or harasses sea turtles can be fined between RM9,000 and RM45,000 under Taiwan’s Wildlife Conservation Act.
Instructor “Shimu” explained what divers should do if a turtle approaches on its own: “Just stay still, cross your arms, and avoid making contact. Some students panic and accidentally kick or touch the turtle while trying to move away, so it’s best to stay calm.”
If a diver is unintentionally touched by a turtle but caught on video, authorities will review the footage and ask for a statement before deciding whether to issue a fine. Otherwise, as one netizen joked, “Getting your hair bitten off by a turtle and still being fined — that’s just too cruel.”
