PHNOM PENH, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Six critically endangered Mekong giant catfish, one of the largest and rarest freshwater fish in the world, have been caught and released in Cambodia within the span of just a few days, the Wonders of the Mekong project said in a news release on Friday.
These catches, a testament to decades of conservation work and community engagement, offer new hope for the survival of a species that has become increasingly rare in much of its native habitat, the news release said.
It added that among the largest freshwater fish in the world, Mekong giant catfish can reach lengths of nearly three meters and weigh up to 300 kg.
The series of events began on Dec. 6, when two Mekong giant catfish were incidentally caught on the Tonle Sap River near Phnom Penh and subsequently tagged and released.
On Dec. 10, four additional giant catfish were caught and released at several locations along the Mekong River and Tonle Sap River.
Of them, two massive individuals weighed 120 and 131 kg, respectively, with both measuring over two meters in length, the news release said, adding that each fish was fitted with identification tags to aid in long-term tracking and research.
The survival of the Mekong giant catfish hinges on sustained conservation efforts and the protection of their habitat, the statement said.
"These sightings not only offer a rare opportunity to observe one of the world's most elusive fish, but also provide vital data for understanding and protecting the migration corridors and spawning grounds essential for their survival," said Zeb Hogan, a University of Nevada Reno research biologist who leads the Wonders of the Mekong project.■
