A record-breaking goldfish has been caught in Champagne, France, where an angler reeled in a massive 50-kilogram specimen.
This remarkable catch is twice the weight of some previously recorded goldfish. Image credit: KoiQuestion, via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0
BlueWater Lakes, a carp fishery, released the enormous fish, known as The Carrot, two decades ago. Over the years, it has grown into one of the largest goldfish hybrids in the world.
Goldfish, a hardy, domesticated form of carp, come in various colors and sizes. Some breeds, like The Carrot, are hybridized with koi, which contributed to its impressive growth over 20 years.
Due to this carp-koi hybrid lineage and ample time to grow, The Carrot has reached an astonishing 50 kilograms. It took Andy Hackett from Worcestershire, UK, 25 minutes to reel in the giant fish. After capturing a few photos, he returned it safely to the water.
According to IFL Science, The Carrot’s massive size serves as a reminder of why pet owners should not release their animals into the wild. Goldfish are incredibly resilient and can grow to extraordinary sizes, disturbing the natural ecosystem by unsettling silt beds and uprooting native plants. Reports from the United States indicate that oversized, ex-pet goldfish have become problematic in certain regions, with authorities attributing the issue to pet owners who abandon them.
Releasing goldfish into natural waterways can lead to invasive species outcompeting native fish for resources, disrupting the balance of aquatic ecosystems. Responsible pet ownership and proper disposal of unwanted pets are essential to preventing such environmental issues.
