A Russian performer has narrowly escaped death after a giant fish bit her entire head while she was working as a mermaid in a tank of an aquarium at an exploration park.

Marsha, a 22-year-old mermaid performer, was working in the aquarium of Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park in China when the attack occurred.

As tourists and visitors of the park watched her majestically swim through the aquarium, waving at guests and interacting with onlookers, a giant fish swam towards her.

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As the fish approached the performing, originally from Russia, it took a massive gulp, capturing her entire head in its mouth.

Screams erupted for the terrified crowd, as Marsha attempted to pull herself out of the jaws of the fish.

The attacking fish, a sturgeon, can grow to 20ft in length and dates back to descendants from the Early Jurassic period.

The terrifying moment was caught on camera and posted on social media.

Fortunately, Marsha was able to pull herself from the fish’s mouth after a brief struggle, before swimming to the surface for refuge.

The performer later shared an image on social media showing the cuts she received when the fish attacked, suffering injuries to her head, eyes and neck.

The Sun reported a Russian media claim that the performer was forced to return to the tank and continue performing as a mermaid moments after the terrifying incident took place.

The Russian media outlet claimed Marsha was offered $156 for “moral damages” following the ordeal, with the offer also doubling as an attempt to buy her silence following the workplace incident.

Any attempt by the park to sweep the attack under the rug was ruined as horrified visitors posted video of the attack on Chinese social media.

Commenting on the terrifying incident, one social media user said: “Acting like a fish in a aquarium with an even bigger fish isn’t smart.”

With another adding: “Humans forcing themselves into places they don’t belong.”