The pond in El Retiro Park, in Madrid, is one of the most emblematic places for both residents and visitors. Many enjoy taking a boat ride, and many have been attentive to what lurks beneath its dark waters. In one of the most exhaustive cleanups, carried out in October 2001, City Hall workers made an important discovery related to long-lived fish at the bottom of the pond.
During that emptying, apart from the usual lost objects and urban remains, about 8.000 fish that had lived there for years. Among the rescued specimens were mainly carp, catfish, and sunfish, along with some species of turtles and crabs. Most of these animals were notable for their advanced age and lack of reproductive potential, which caught the attention of the technicians in charge of the process.
The case of Margarita, the longest-lived carp
Among all the fish found, one stood out large tent, affectionately known as "Margarita." This specimen weighed around 12 kilos and measured over a meter in length. Its slow swimming and imposing presence made it, according to witnesses, a true legend of the pond. Some compared it to mythical creatures, referring to it as the "Nessi" of Madrid, given its size and the surprise caused by its discovery.
The longevity of these carp is explained, in part, by their adaptability and peaceful habits. In the case of "Margarita," experts emphasized that she lacked natural predators in the pond, which favored her long lifespan.
The future of the pond and its fauna
The pond is scheduled to return to empty in 2027 to carry out various maintenance works. In this upcoming intervention, the City Council plans to improve the waterproofing and water treatment systems, thus ensuring the protection of both the environment and the animals that inhabit it.
It is expected that, as with previous cleanups, the pond's wildlife will be temporarily relocated to preserve their well-being until they can return to their normal habitat. The process will also determine whether the current inhabitants still include long-lived fish that have managed to survive for decades, repeating the history of the "Margarita" carp and other notable specimens.
Periodic maintenance of the pond is not only essential for maintaining its structure, but also serves to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the water, such as the surprising presence of specimens that defy time in the sight of Madrid residents and tourists.
