Giant Salmon Carp Rediscovered in Mekong River Study

The giant salmon carp, nicknamed 'the ghost fish', has been rediscovered in the Mekong River after being thought extinct since 2005. This predatory fish, symbolizing the Mekong region, can grow up to 4 feet long and was recently sighted three times between 2020 and 2023, as documented in a study published in Biological Conservation. Researchers, collaborating with local communities, have been alerted to these sightings and emphasize the importance of this rediscovery for conservation efforts. Despite this positive news, the species, part of the 'megafish' family, faces threats from industrial pollution, overfishing, and the construction of over 700 dams along the river, which impede fish migration. The international research team, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development, advocates for innovative conservation strategies to protect this critically endangered species and the broader Mekong ecosystem. The rediscovery offers hope and highlights the need for coordinated global efforts to ensure the survival of migratory species in the region.