A bewildered London commuter was left rubbing his eyes in disbelief during the morning rush hour after witnessing one of the capital's most surreal sights: a man casually walking his pet goldfish on a lead through the streets of Westminster.
The extraordinary scene, which could easily be mistaken for a performance art piece, unfolded near St James's Park tube station. An onlooker managed to capture photographic evidence of the impeccably dressed gentleman, who appeared completely unfazed as he strolled with his aquatic companion in a clear plastic bowl.
The goldfish itself was secured by a bright blue lead attached to its container, creating a spectacle that stopped pedestrians in their tracks. The well-dressed owner, sporting a smart brown jacket and trousers, maintained perfect composure despite the obvious double-takes from passing commuters.
This isn't the first instance of this particular fish making waves in central London. The same man, believed to be a French artist known for his eccentric public displays, has been spotted on previous occasions giving his goldfish what appears to be its daily dose of fresh air and excitement.
Transport for London officials have previously confirmed sightings of the unusual duo, suggesting this forms part of an ongoing artistic performance or personal statement about urban life and pet ownership.
The photographs, initially shared on social media, have since gone viral, sparking amusement and confusion in equal measure. Many Londoners have praised the capital's endless capacity for surprise, while others have questioned the welfare implications for the fish itself.
Whether performance art, elaborate joke, or genuine pet ownership taken to extremes, this morning's spectacle provided a memorable diversion from the usual monotony of the daily commute and served as another reminder that in London, truth is often stranger than fiction.
