Is this Donegal goldfish the oldest living one in Ireland?

An Inishowen goldfish has a strong claim to be Ireland’s oldest living goldfish.

‘Big Red’ has now reached the remarkable age of 28-years-old, almost triple the average age for a typical goldfish.
The extraordinary male fish lives in the backyard of Paul Kavanagh’s house in Fahan: quite literally a big fish in a small pond.
Paul, who has been keeping fish for much of his life, explains the secret to Big Red’s longevity. Paul is 56-years-old and the pet goldfish has been around for half his life.

“The secret to keeping goldfish is to allow them to live outside in deeper water. Then leave them alone. The more natural, the better. The important thing is no fish bowls; never keep fish in a bowl.”

“Remember, goldfish came from the rice fields of Asia, where they were used as insect management, fertiliser and food.”
Paul adds: “I have had Big Red since 2003 and it was given to me by a friend who had it for 7 years. I've been keeping fish since I was a boy and 28 is a big age for a goldfish. I have text messages from 2010 discussing Big Red's age even then.”

Remarkably, Big Red’s sole pond companion, ‘Big White’, is also aged in his twenties - and both fish are fed on a very simple and minimal diet, as Paul further explains.

“They get really cheap fish food and only a very small amount. They mostly feed themselves; part of their long life would be living free outside. Sadly, they are both males, so no little ones,” Paul smiled.

There’s another twist to this fishy tale too. Paul received advice from world-renowed fishkeeper Dick Mills on how to keep his fish in tip-top condition. Incredibly, Mills also penned the theme tune for BBC sci-fi TV phenomenon Dr Who!

Unlike Dr Who however, which has been watched by millions over the years, Big Red is rather camera-shy. The Inishowen Independent asked for a photograph, but Paul explained how that would be difficult.

“It’s difficult to photograph him from the top; it’s quite bland. But he hasn't been touched in 15 years so I couldn’t take him out for a photo, as the stress would be too much for him.”

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Meanwhile, the world record for a goldfish is North Yorkshire’s ‘Big Tish’, which reached the grand old age of 43 before its demise in 1999.

By that measure, Fahan’s Big Red has some distance to go yet - but with Paul’s tender care and attention, there could well be a new Guinness World Record setter here in Inishowen soon.