An “extremely rare strain of carp,” a 13-pound mirror carp nicknamed tiger carp for its unique stripes, was the object of a bidding war recently among Britain fisheries, all vying to become the owner of the fish that is believed to be the first of its kind in the U.K.
Renowned fish farmer Mark Simmonds of Heather Fisheries advertised the sale of the tiger carp, and the online bidding opened at $685 USD, according to the Angling Times of the U.K.
Linda Candy, a co-owner of the Todber Manor Fisheries, submitted the winning bid of $3,425 USD. She was said to have purchased the fish as a surprise to her husband John.
The Todber Manor Fisheries is located on 125 acres of Dorset countryside and says it is “home to some of the finest carp and coarse fishing in the southwest.”
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The facility totals 11 lakes, which includes four specimen carp lakes. The lakes are well known for carp fishing, but they also provide one of the few places in Dorset to catch catfish. Unlike the U.S., carp fishing is extremely popular in Europe.
It is unclear what plans Todber Manor has for the high-priced fish, whether it will be put on display or planted into one of its lakes. It is set for delivery in February.
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