Goldfish are a special type of domesticated carp bred primarily for the purpose of providing people with easy, soothing pets to keep in their home or backyard pond. While other varieties of carp can grow to shocking sizes, in this list we’ll be focusing specifically on the smaller, domesticated goldfish variety.

Goldfish are rumored to grow to fit their environment, reaching astounding sizes when released into the wild or kept in especially large enclosures. But just how huge can these goldfish really get? Today we’ll be taking a look at 6 of the largest goldfish recorded in the world, as well as several intriguing honorable mentions.

6. Bruce the Red Oranda

Source: wikimedia.org

This charmingly pudgy specimen was bred by two fish farming brothers Jackie and Louis Chan from Hong Kong. After diligently breeding Red Oranda goldfish with the goal of landing themselves a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, they wound up with Bruce, whose size has been compared to that of a house cat. The Chan brothers proudly attribute Bruce’s size to skillfully selective breeding, a great diet, and lots of exercise.

Did You Know?

The Chan brothers’ fish farm is one of the largest in China, with them having bred more than 100 varieties of goldfish.

5. Goldie

Source: mirror.co.uk

Not only is Goldie the Goldfish impressive in size–he’s reached a ripe old age of 15 years. His owner, the 83-year-old widow Ada Shaw, takes excellent care of him as her sole companion since his tank mate passed away. She says that he likes to stay busy as they keep one another company, and that he has a bossy personality.

Did You Know?

When Ada first purchased Goldie from a local pet shop, he was merely one inch long! After years of her providing him with loving care, warm water, and two meals a day, he’s certainly grown.

4. Mike Martin’s Goldfish

Source: nydailynews.com

When fishing enthusiast Mike Martin felt a tug at the end of his line, he first thought that he’d landed a large perch. After 20 years of fishing experience, Mike had seen plenty of rogue goldfish, but never expected to catch one. He called his father after catching this prize specimen, who told him to put it in a bucket and take it home.

Did You Know?

Mike contacted the DNR to see what the state record was for the largest goldfish, but didn’t hear back. Since it was likely the only specimen of its kind that he would catch, Mike made plans to have it mounted on his wall.

3. The “Monster Goldfish” of Lake Tahoe

Source: Heather Segale, scientificamerican.com

When scientific researchers were trawling the waters of Lake Tahoe in a routine check for invasive species, they discovered goldfish specimens of astonishing sizes. Around 15 of these monstrously large goldfish were discovered schooling in a corner of the lake, which suggested that they were procreating. This was cause for concern, since goldfish are an invasive species in Lake Tahoe and are causing damage to the ecosystem.

Did You Know?

Because of the damage that invasive species can cause to local ecosystems, introducing an invasive species into Lake Tahoe can result in fines of up to $5,000.

2. Billy the Goldfish

Source: bbc.com

The impressive goldfish that Nick Richards caught in Dorset Lake was previously thought to be the largest goldfish in Great Britain. Nick was originally fishing for common carp, but noticed an unusually bright flash of orange and cast his line. At first he still thought he might have caught an exceptionally large carp, but closer inspection revealed that his catch was an overgrown goldfish that had probably once been a pet.

Did You Know?

After Billy the Goldfish was adequately photographed and measured, Nick kindly released him back into the lake right away. During a later fishing trip, Nick just might find that Billy has gotten even bigger!

1. Lois Chilvers’ Goldfish

Source: anglersmail.co.uk

The goldfish caught by Lois Chilvers is the largest goldfish in the world. While not officially acknowledged by the Guinness Book of World Records, the goldfish that this proud 10-year-old caught broke the record for the largest goldfish caught in the UK. Lois caught her prize specimens at Chase Lakes during a fishing weekend with her father Gary.

Did You Know?

The two massive goldfish that Lois caught were thought to have been former pets that grew too big for their tanks and wound up being released into the wild.

Honorable Mentions:

While little information is available on these impressive goldfish specimens aside from the data provided by the Guinness Book of World Records, they certainly deserve a place on this list as the latest official record holders.

Joris Gijsbers’ Goldfish

Joris Gijsbers owned a goldfish that holds the Guinness World Record for the longest goldfish.

Paul Schafer’s Fantail and Comet Goldfish

While larger specimens have since been caught, Paul Schafer boasts the verified Guinness World Record for Largest Goldfish for his Fantail and Comet goldfish.