Introduction
A large fish once feared extinct in Cambodia has been recorded in the country’s waters for the fourth time since 2020, renewing hope for the species. The Mekong giant salmon carp (Aaptosyax grypus), a critically endangered large-sized freshwater fish, was formally described from the Mekong River in 1991.
Historical Context
Over the next 14 years, there had been only 20 formal records of the species; none since 2005. However, Bunyeth Chan, a researcher at Svay Rieng University in Cambodia, and his colleagues confirmed three observations in a 2024 study. The three carps had been caught by fishers from different parts of the lower Mekong River Basin between 2020 and 2023.
“Those recent observations indicate that the species persists, and that one or more populations of A. grypus inhabit the Cambodian Mekong and its tributaries”, the researchers wrote.
Most Recent Discovery
The same team confirmed a fourth record of the species, captured by a fisher on Nov. 27, 2025, according to a note recently published in the journal Oryx. “The rediscovery of the giant salmon carp is a reason for hope, not just for this species but for the entire Mekong ecosystem”, Chan said in a statement to Nevada Today in 2024.
“The Mekong ecosystem is the most productive river on Earth, producing over two million tons of fish per year worth over $10 billion”.
Species Characteristics
The Mekong giant salmon carp, endemic to the middle and lower reaches of the Mekong River basin, can grow up to 130 centimeters (more than 4 feet) in length and weigh up to 30 kilograms.
Conclusion
The discovery of these specimens is a sign of hope for the conservation of biodiversity in the Mekong region, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to protect and preserve endangered species and their habitats.
Source / Reference: Mongabay