A record-breaking goldfish, known as “The Carrot,” was recently caught in Champagne, France, weighing an impressive 50 kilograms. This enormous specimen was caught by angler Andy Hackett from Worcestershire, UK, who took 25 minutes to reel it in before taking some photos and releasing it back into the water.

The Carrot is a unique hybrid between a carp and a koi, and it has had 20 years to grow in the waters of BlueWater Lakes, a famous carp fishery. Released two decades ago, it has since become one of the largest goldfish in the world, now double the size of typical large goldfish, which can reach around 25 kilograms.

The sheer size of The Carrot serves as a reminder of the potential problems caused by releasing pet fish into the wild. Being hardy fish, goldfish can grow significantly larger than expected, disturbing local ecosystems by upsetting the silt beds and uprooting native plants. This issue has been observed in parts of America, where abandoned pet goldfish have become a problem, outcompeting native species for resources.

All goldfish, regardless of their diverse colors and breeds, are domesticated varieties of carp. Sometimes, they are hybridized with other species like koi, as in the case of The Carrot. While these fish can be fascinating pets, their adaptability makes them potentially invasive when released into natural environments, highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Preventing the release of pet goldfish into the wild is crucial, as these fish can dramatically alter local ecosystems. By doing so, we can help preserve the natural balance and prevent the spread of invasive species that threaten native wildlife.