5LB GOLDFISH

Even if you're known for having a three second memory, it's an unforgettable catch.

And Nick Richards was bowled over when he reeled in this 5lb goldfish.

The 16-year-old angler was amazed to have caught the massive orange specimen while fishing at a local lake.
Catch of the day: Nick Richards with a 5lb, 16ins goldfish he reeled in while fishing at a lake in Poole, Dorset
It is likely the 16 inch fish was released into the water after outgrowing its tank - and has apparently thrived in its new environment.
Schoolboy Nick was fishing for common carp when he noticed a flash of colour under the surface of the water and pointed his rod in its direction.
Moments later he had the goldfish, which is a type of carp usually found in fairgrounds and garden ponds, hooked on the end of the line.

FISH FACTS
● The goldfish, known in Latin as Carassius auratus auratus is a small member of the carp family
● It was first domesticated in China more than 1,000 years ago and is commonly kept as a pet
● Goldfish typically grow to between two and 18 inches
● They have been known to live for 40 years
● Previously, the biggest goldfish in Britain measured 15.7in and weighed 2lb

It is thought Nick's catch, which he placed back in the water after taking this photograph, is the biggest in the UK.
Recalling the one that didn't get away, he said of the lake in Poole, Dorset: 'I'd heard rumours there might be some big carp there and thought I'd see for myself.
'I was there for two days running and caught some big common carp.
'Then suddenly I saw this big orange fish cruising along the top of the lake.'
Nick, who is from Camberley, Surrey, and was on holiday in Dorset when he caught the goldfish, continued: 'It wasn't too much trouble to reel it in.
'At first I thought it must be a really fat Koi carp, but when I saw it properly I realised it was a common goldfish - just like one you might keep as a pet.
'The only difference was that it was massive. It weighed 5lb when I put it on the scales.
'I can only think that it had got too big for someone's tank or pond and the owner had dumped it in the lake.
'It looked like it was healthy and in good condition. The lake is sheltered with plenty of food, so it's doing pretty well.'
Ruth Lockwood, from the English Carp Heritage Organisation, said: 'It's difficult to confirm that it is the biggest ever caught in the UK, because it is an ornamental fish and the record won't be recognised by the British Records Fish Committee.
'It seems most likely that it was released into the lake by someone after it outgrew a tank or pond.'
She added that pet owners 'must be reminded that it is illegal to release pet fish into the wild'.
'It has a massive impact on the environment and our native species and must not be encouraged'.