Mafishi, which means “Big Fish” in the local Bemba language, is thought to be at least 22 years old.
The death of a 22-year-old fish thought to bring good luck drew national lamentation in Zambia.
Even President Edgar Lungu expressed his sorrow.
Students at Copperbelt University (CBU), Zambia’s second-largest campus, lit candles and lined up around the campus to mourn the death of the freshwater fish.
The hashtag Mafhisi, as the poor fish is known, is a hot topic of conversation on Twitter in the country located in southern Africa.
For the past two decades, CBU students have believed that the fish will bring them good luck in taking exams.
Mafishi, which means “Big Fish” has also lived in the university pool for more than 20 years, said student leader Lawrence Kasonde.
His death was still under investigation, the Copperbelt University student union leader added.
