A Brit has been left baffled after discovering a live goldfish on his back lawn - despite not living in close proximity to any body of water.
Sharing a snap of his find on X (formerly Twitter), Ben Beska penned: "So today I found a goldfish just on the grass in my back garden. It was alive, I think, and have absolutely no idea where it came from. There’s no ponds anywhere near. So I took it inside."
Ben was soon inundated with suggestions, with his post viewed an incredible 16million times in less than 24 hours. And thankfully in an update to the tale, he reported the fish survived - after initially being placed in an old freezer drawer filled with water.
"That's an auspicious thing you did, especially if you saved it," praised one Reddit user. "In Chinese culture a koi goldfish is a symbol of prosperity. As such, even though they are edible, it is seen as a dark omen to eat them. Some bird probably poached that from one of your neighbour's ponds, and then it got away mid flight. Super lucky you."
Another hailed: "Good job. You can save a fishes life If you hold its tale and it's like CPR for fish you pull him backwards and the water gets in his gills. Also if you ever have a fish and it's not moving, could just be sleeping or in shock. So never assume the worst!! Save the fish also!"
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A third theorised: "That's awesome. Any houses nearby? I have an image of a brother and younger sister squabbling in an upstairs bedroom, and the brother grabbing his sister's fish out of its tank and chucking it out the window to get back at her for cracking his iPad screen or something."
Countless others explained the fish was probably dropped by a cat or a heron, before suggesting Ben must have stumbled upon it soon afterwards. A fourth person added: This random occurrence is gonna get pricey for you soon. Just wait until you have a salt tank with Nemo in it." And pricey it was - for Ben soon headed out to purchase a proper home for his newly adopted pet.
Alongside a video of the now-named "Alice (aka Lazarus, aka The Fish Who Lived)" swimming freely in her new tank, Ben wrote: Repeat after me: a hastily bought, temporary tank is better for a goldfish than lying dead on the grass."
"This is the first time in my life I have heard a story about rescuing an abandoned goldfish," laughed one person in response.
"I deeply admire your commitment," penned a second. "That’s a baby koi. They can get to be a foot long or longer. So erm. You may be sizing up soon. Ty for the best feel good story of the week!"
While a third gushed: "Thanks for rescuing the creature! Sadly people will dump fish into waterways when they don’t want them. My guess is he was picked up by a bird and dropped. Glad you saved them! And be careful! Keeping fish can become addictive!"
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