A Colossal Goldfish: The 67-Pound Wonder from France
Written on
Chapter 1: The Enormous Catch
In France, a goldfish was caught that weighed as much as two dogs — though it’s not the largest of its kind in the region. If we trust fairy tales, a goldfish might fulfill three wishes. But what happens when it’s a massive and hefty specimen? This is the intriguing tale of a fortunate (and strong) angler from the UK.
Anglers often boast about their catches, but without photographic evidence, some tales can seem unbelievable. Fortunately for British fisherman Andy Hackett, the fish he caught was so large it barely fit in the frame. Just how much does this extraordinary goldfish weigh? Hackett reeled in a striking fish at BlueWater Lakes, a fishery in the French Champagne region. The vibrant orange coloration of the carp made it easily visible beneath the water's surface. However, the struggle to catch it was no small feat, taking a full 25 minutes before the fish surrendered. According to the staff at the fishery, this catch is the second-largest of its species ever recorded.
At BlueWater Lakes, anglers have the opportunity to catch fish weighing over 20 kilograms, with the heaviest specimens reaching up to 40 kilograms. Dubbed “Carrot,” this hybrid of various carp species has resided in Champagne for approximately two decades. Despite its impressive size, fishery officials clarify that while it’s not the largest fish in the lake, it is certainly the most remarkable.
Chapter 2: The History of Carp
In Europe, carp is often a traditional Christmas dish. Interestingly, carp may have been one of the earliest types of fish cooked by humans over an open flame. Archaeological discoveries in Israel recently revealed the remains of a giant carp that had been roasted nearly 800,000 years ago. The earliest evidence of fire being used for cooking dates back to around 170,000 years.
Hunting for massive carp has become quite a pursuit. Last season, “Carrot” was caught nine times, with the last catch occurring in February 2022, weighing slightly less at 27 kilograms. After being weighed, the fish was promptly returned to the water, as BlueWater Lakes has a policy prohibiting anglers from keeping their catches. The staff also ensures that any injuries sustained by the fish are treated before it’s released back into the lake.
Goldfish are commonly kept as pets and usually weigh around 400 grams when fully grown. However, with adequate nutrition and ample space, they can achieve much larger sizes — much like “Carrot.”
Section 2.1: Goldfish in the Wild
Goldfish in their natural habitats don’t always evoke the whimsical tales of wish-granting. In 2021, numerous reports emerged about a significant population of giant goldfish in Keller Lake, Minnesota. It appeared that aquarists had released unwanted pets into the wild, leading to ecological issues. With unrestricted access to food sources, these goldfish grew to abnormal sizes, significantly impacting local ecosystems. They disturbed the lake's bottom, which deteriorated water quality and consumed native plants and eggs, prompting state officials to classify them as an invasive species.
Section 2.2: Record-Breaking Freshwater Fish
In a related note, in the summer of 2022, residents of a Cambodian village on the Mekong River caught the largest freshwater fish on record — a stingray weighing 300 kilograms and measuring 4 meters in length and 220 cm in width.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, please leave a comment, some claps, or consider leaving a tip. Your support encourages me to continue writing intriguing content. Feel free to follow me for daily articles. Thank you!