There may be more fish in the sea, but no one will be able to replace the world’s largest goldfish after she died at the age of 20.
The lifeless body of the giant orange carp, affectionately nicknamed ‘The Carrot’, was found in her fishery in Champagne, France.
Although her exact age is unknown, it is believed that she was about 20 years old and died of old age.
The Carrot gained worldwide recognition for its unusual colour and enormous weight, weighing an astonishing 30 kg.
Her legend was so great that fishermen from all over Europe traveled to the island to catch the fish from five stones, after which they would release her back into the pond.
British angler Andy Hackett, 43, caught the leatherback and koi hybrid during a fishing trip with friends at Bluewater Lakes in France in 2022
The father-of-two from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, spent 25 minutes reeling in the five stone fish
The Carrot is buried beside her lake at Bluewater Lakes, owned by British fisherman Gary Tardi. A plaque has also been erected in her memory.
A Bluewater Lakes spokesperson said The Carrot was a “one-off event” and that her death “has deeply affected our souls”.
He said: ‘It is with great sadness that we must report and announce the passing of The Carrot.
‘We introduced The Carrot about 20 years ago as an alternative for customers to fishing.
‘This carp has created its own following and fame all by itself. She was absolutely unique and we were very blessed and privileged to have her in our lake.
‘The realization that she is no longer there has affected us deeply.’
They said The Carrot left two young fish in the lake, one of which already weighs 40 pounds.
Mr. Parker looks fondly at The Carrot, which he had the pleasure of capturing in July of this year
Lee Parker, from Banbury in Oxford, pictured next to The Carrot in July this year
They added: ‘She has two little babies, one of which weighs about 40 pounds, and then there is another little gem who is a little smaller but still just as beautiful as his predecessor.’
Mr Tardi said: ‘She died shortly after spawning, which is a stressful time for carp. If you’re going to lose one, that’s the time.’
Lee Parker was one of the last to see The Carrot in July. He posted: ‘Absolutely devastating news, I only saw her a few weeks ago. What a tragic loss. I am so glad her memories will live on forever, and that there are two others who will carry on her legacy.
Ben Soane said: ‘What a cool carp and probably the most recognisable fish in the world.’
Justin Crowfoot said: ‘I had the pleasure of holding her, but unfortunately I never caught her.’
Earlier this year, British angler Lee Parker caught the Carrot while fishing in Bluewater Lakes and was nearly dragged into the lake by the giant goldfish.
Mr Parker, from Banbury in Oxford, said it was a fast process as he had to hold on tightly to his rod.
He also described how he was forced to dig his heels into the shore of the lake to avoid being dragged back into the water.
After a struggle of almost ten minutes, he managed to get the goldfish into his landing net and pull it to the shore.
He then weighed it and took pictures, before safely lowering the goldfish back into the water to be used again the next day.
And in 2022, 43-year-old Andy Hackett spent 25 minutes reeling in the Carrot and was thrilled to weigh just under 50 pounds.
She was 14kg heavier than the largest goldfish in the world, caught by Jason Fugate in Minnesota, USA, in 2019.
And it was more than twice the size of the 14-kilogram bright orange koi carp that Italian Raphael Biagini caught in the south of France in 2010.
Mr Hackett, a father of two from Kidderminster in Worcestershire, caught his record attempt at Bluewater Lakes in Champagne, France.
He said: ‘I always knew The Carrot was in there, but I never thought I’d catch him.
‘I knew it was a big fish when he took my bait and went left to right and up and down with it, and then he came to the surface about 30 or 40 yards away and I saw he was orange.
“It was great to catch him, but it was also pure luck.”