Britain is mourning the passing of a very special fish. Benson, the ginormous common carp, died last week at the age of 25. On July 28th, the famous fish was discovered floating on the water and anglers are taking the news quite hard.
Benson
During Benson’s lifetime, the 64-pound fish had been caught and released more than 60 times and was estimated to be around 25 years old. Britain’s beloved Benson lived, and died, just north of London in Kingfisher Lake, located in the Bluebell Lakes complex.
Touted as Britain’s Biggest Carp, Benson was far from ordinary. People would travel for miles just to “catch” a glimpse of the celebrity fish. Readers of Angler’s Mail voted Benson Britain’s Favourite Carp in 2005 and Benson even had its own Wikipedia entry!
Cause of Death
Rumors and speculation of the carp’s demise have been running rampant since the news broke. Did the 60-plus captures play some part in the death? While the debate continues whether or not fish feel pain, was the death due to old age or something a bit more fishy?
It appears food poisoning may have been the ultimate cause of this uncommon common carp’s death. Tony Bridgefoot, owner of the Bluebell Lakes, reported that large quantities of nuts as well as numerous empty bags were found on the bank where Benson lived. Nuts, which are often used as bait, can be deadly to fish if not processed properly.
There will be no burial for Benson. This one-of-a-kind carp will be mounted and displayed at the Bluebell Lakes Lodge.
Photograph courtesy of Bluebell Lakes.
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