A cannibalistic monster pike in Derwentwater literally bit off more than it could chew when it choked to death on another “freshwater shark” that got jammed in its jaws.
The hungry fish, which was around three-and-half foot in length and weighed in at around 15 to 17 pounds, certainly met its match when it tried to dine on another pike that was almost the same size as it.
Eric Hope, chairman of Keswick Angling Association, said judging by the picture taken by photographer Bob Grange, a member of Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, the fish had died three to four weeks ago during the hot weather when oxygen levels in the lake were low.
A video of the fish and its unpalatable meal has gone viral since it appeared on social media.
“The other fish was too big for it to swallow completely and it was not able to pump enough water over its gills, so it died,” said Eric, who is also a fishing guide and fly casting instructor. “But it does happen. I have spoken to a few friends and two said they have come across instances where they have found a dead pike with another one in it. But this is the first instance I have heard of in Derwentwater.”
Publicity surrounding the strange fish find has worried some wild swimmers and panicked paddle boarders but Eric says that they should not worry.
“Pike do not attack people,” he said. “They will sometimes eat ducklings but wild swimmers and paddle boarders are safe because there are no reported instances of attacks on humans. Most of the time they just lurk waiting for other fish to come along.”