She carried it home in a large bucket and placed it gently into her backyard pond. There, under the dappled sunlight, it swam calmly, occasionally rising to the surface to inspect its new surroundings. Olivia sat beside the pond for hours, watching it glide through the water like a living ornament.
Curious about the fish’s golden color, Olivia contacted a nearby university. Within a few days, a small team of biologists led by Dr. Kessler came to observe the unusual specimen. They brought testing kits, cameras, and notebooks, eager to find out what made the fish so dazzling.
Dr. Kessler examined the fish closely and took a few scale samples. After running tests, his team discovered tiny fragments of metal embedded in the carp’s scales—specifically, particles of gold foil. “We think someone may have dumped ceremonial gold paper into the lake,” he explained. “Over time, this fish could’ve absorbed trace elements, leading to its golden appearance.”