In an extraordinary discovery, the elusive giant salmon carp, a rare fish species that had not been documented for nearly 20 years, has resurfaced in Cambodia.
Known as the “Mekong ghost” for its rarity, this mysterious fish was formally identified in 1991, yet sightings have been extremely rare, with fewer than 30 documented cases since.
The recent rediscovery of the giant salmon carp offers hope for this species and underscores the urgent need to protect the rich biodiversity of the Mekong River ecosystem.
The Giant Salmon Carp: A Rare Encounter
The giant salmon carp, a large, salmon-shaped fish with a distinctive hooked jaw and a yellow patch around its eyes, had been feared extinct since its last documented sighting in 2005.
In 2020, however, rumors surfaced when Cambodian fishermen reportedly caught one, sparking excitement among scientists. Sadly, the fish was sold before researchers could verify its identity.
But three years later, two new specimens were caught by fishermen in the Mekong River, and this time, scientists were able to examine them. To their delight, they confirmed the catches as the long-lost giant salmon carp.
Zeb Hogan, a biologist at the University of Nevada, Reno, and co-author of the study, shared his excitement: “The fishermen knew they had caught something extraordinary, and they reached out to us. This rediscovery reaffirms the fish’s existence and potentially validates the rumors from 2020.”
The findings, recently published in the journal Biological Conservation, have ignited hope for the survival of the species and opened new discussions about its potential range, as the recent specimens were found beyond their known geographic area.
Expanding the Known Range of the ‘Mekong Ghost’
The rediscovery of the giant salmon carp came as a surprise to scientists, as the recent sightings occurred outside of the fish’s previously documented range.
According to lead researcher Bunyeth Chan from Svay Rieng University, this suggests that the fish’s habitat could be more expansive than initially believed. The giant salmon carp can grow up to four feet in length and weigh as much as 66 pounds, making it one of the more striking and substantial inhabitants of the Mekong.
This revelation not only excites scientists but also underscores the importance of thoroughly exploring and protecting the lesser-known areas of the Mekong River.
The Mekong River: A Biodiversity Hotspot at Risk
The Mekong River, stretching over 4,000 kilometers through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, is Southeast Asia’s longest river and supports over 1,100 fish species.
However, it faces mounting threats due to human activity, with nearly 20% of its fish species at risk of extinction. The giant salmon carp’s rediscovery brings new urgency to preserving this rich ecosystem.
The World Wildlife Fund’s recent report highlights several key threats to the Mekong, including overfishing, climate change, sand mining, and the construction of hydropower dams.
Over 700 dams have been built along the Mekong and its tributaries, severely disrupting migratory routes crucial for species like the giant salmon carp. Brian Eyler, director of the Southeast Asia Program at the Stimson Center, explains, “The extensive damming limits migration, impacting not only the fish but also the traditional livelihoods of communities reliant on the river.”
Conservation Call to Action
The rediscovery of the giant salmon carp represents a critical moment for conservation efforts along the Mekong. Zeb Hogan, one of the study’s authors, emphasizes the urgency:
“This discovery is a call to action. Protecting the Mekong River’s unique biodiversity and vital fisheries requires collaboration between governments, scientists, and local communities.”
For researchers, working with local fishing communities is an essential part of conserving the giant salmon carp and other at-risk species.
According to Sébastien Brosse, a co-author and biodiversity researcher at Paul Sabatier University in France, “Local fishers hold invaluable ecological insights that can help us pinpoint crucial habitats and create effective conservation zones.”
What the Rediscovery Means for the Future
While the giant salmon carp remains critically endangered, this rediscovery offers hope and highlights the resilience of species thought lost to time. The continued presence of this remarkable fish serves as a reminder of the richness of the Mekong’s biodiversity, as well as the challenges it faces.
Scientists are committed to further studying the species and understanding its habitat needs, while also working to implement conservation strategies with local communities. As awareness grows, there is optimism that protective measures can help the giant salmon carp and countless other species thrive in this essential river ecosystem.
