Tish wins world’s oldest goldfish

A goldfish named Tish has defied all expectations and lived an extraordinary 43 years, earning the title of the world’s oldest goldfish.

Tish’s remarkable journey began in 1956 when he was won as a prize at a fairground roll-a-penny stall by seven-year-old Peter Hand.

For years, Peter nurtured Tish with love and care until he eventually left the family home. From that point forward, Peter’s mother, Hilda, took over the responsibility, ensuring Tish continued to thrive.

“He has had a healthy diet and has always enjoyed a peaceful place to live,” Hilda, then 76, shared with the Daily Express in 1998.

She attributed Tish’s extraordinary lifespan to the serene environment she maintained and the belief that goldfish have “extremely short memories,” which she thought spared Tish from human-like stress. (It’s worth noting that this common belief about goldfish memory has been debunked.)

Tish shared his bowl with another goldfish named Tosh until Tosh passed away in 1976 at the age of 19. Despite this loss, Tish continued to flourish under Hilda’s meticulous care.

In 1988, Tish had a near-death experience when he leapt out of his bowl and landed on the carpet. Hilda, who was not home at the time, found him on the floor and quickly returned him to his bowl. Miraculously, Tish resumed swimming as if nothing had happened.

As the years passed, Tish’s once vibrant orange scales turned silver, mirroring the color of Hilda’s hair.

“He’s a pensioner, just like us, and needs to take things more slowly,” Hilda remarked, noting how Tish’s pace of life had slowed with age. She also ensured his environment remained quiet, as Tish strongly disliked noise.

Tish’s incredible life came to an end on August 6, 1999, just a year after being officially recognized as the world’s oldest goldfish.

His story eclipsed that of the previous record-holder, Fred, another British goldfish who lived to be 40 years old.

While goldfish are native to China and there have been reports of some living over 50 years, no authenticated examples have corroborated such claims.

Tish’s story remains a shining example of how love, care, and a tranquil environment can lead to an exceptional and extended life, even for a humble goldfish.