In Champagne, France, an angler recently made waves by landing a record-breaking goldfish weighing a whopping 50 kilograms. This extraordinary catch not only sets a new benchmark but also underscores the angler’s skill and determination amidst the serene beauty of the French countryside.

This young fish is just a fraction of the size of the record-breaking specimen caught in France recently, which weighed twice as much. Known as “The Carrot,” this giant was released into BlueWater Lakes fishery two decades ago and has grown into one of the world’s largest carp. This remarkable growth highlights the incredible potential within aquatic ecosystems, showcasing the diverse and awe-inspiring nature of underwater life.

Goldfish, bred from hardy domesticated carp, boast a wide range of colors and patterns. Some, like The Carrot, are hybrids with koi, resulting in impressive sizes like over 50 kilograms. Andy Hackett from Worcestershire, UK, spent 25 minutes reeling her in before releasing her back into the water, capturing only a few selfies to commemorate the encounter.

The Carrot’s immense size is a cautionary tale against releasing pet fish into the wild. While goldfish are hardy, they can grow to disruptive sizes, disturbing natural habitats and outcompeting native species for resources. This phenomenon has been observed in parts of America, where ex-pet goldfish have caused problems. It underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership to prevent ecological imbalances.