WEIRD NEWS OF THE WEEK: George the goldfish recovering following 'high-risk' operation

The beloved goldfish, who underwent a ‘fiddly’ operation, is now ‘expected to live another 20 years’.

17:24 17 September 2014

A goldfish in Australia, named George, went through a “high-risk operation” to remove a life-threatening tumour. He is now recovering and experts say that the fish could live for another 20 years.

Dr Tristan Rich, who carried out the operation, confirmed that the fish was put under general anaesthetic for the $200 procedure. He added: "George had a quite large tumour on the top of his head that was growing slowly, and it was beginning to affect his quality of life.”

The owner of the fish was given the option to either have it put to sleep or to attempt an operation to remove the tumour.

"[George’s owner] was dedicated enough to give it a go," he said.

He added that the fish was kept alive by pumping oxygenated pond water through its gills while under the knife.

The doctor added that the fish will be ‘discharged’ soon.