The Fish Tube meme, often referred to as the Salmon Cannon, originated from footage of the 'Whooshh Innovations' transport system designed to help migratory fish bypass dams. The video went viral in 2019 after viewers became fascinated by the surreal sight of salmon being vacuumed through a long, transparent pneumatic tube. It quickly evolved into a visual metaphor for being forced into a situation at high speed, such as starting a new week or being suddenly hit with responsibilities. Its popularity persists because it perfectly captures that feeling of being whisked away by forces beyond your control in a bizarrely efficient way.