Rare fish feared extinct rediscovered in Southeast Asia

A fish species, long believed to be extinct, has resurfaced in the waters of Southeast Asia, sparking hope among conservationists. The elusive giant salmon carp, known as the “Mekong Ghost,” had not been seen since 2005, raising fears that it had vanished forever.

In 2020, excitement spread through the scientific community when reports emerged from Cambodia. Fishermen had caught a large, mysterious fish, and some speculated that it might be the Mekong Ghost. 

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The fish, with distinctive features such as an oddly-shaped mouth and a protruding knob on its jaw, was photographed, fueling hopes of its reappearance. However, before biologists could examine it, the fish was sold, leaving researchers without definitive proof.

Dr. Zeb Hogan, a research biologist from the University of Nevada and head of the “Wonders of the Mekong” project, expressed cautious optimism at the time but noted the discovery did not feel like conclusive evidence.

Recently, two more giant salmon carp were caught in the Mekong River, and this time researchers were able to purchase and study them. Weighing between 11 and 13 pounds, these fish marked the first confirmed sightings of the species in nearly two decades. Upon examination, biologists immediately recognized the significance of their find.

The rediscovery of the Mekong Ghost goes beyond just locating a rare fish—it offers a glimpse of hope for the future of the Mekong River ecosystem.

The species is critically endangered, and its reappearance suggests the river, which stretches across several Southeast Asian countries, might still have the resilience to support its biodiversity. However, the Mekong faces severe threats from climate change, overfishing and human activities such as dam-building. Hogan’s team believes that the Mekong Ghost serves as a vital indicator of the river’s health.

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With this discovery, researchers are urging international cooperation between Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand to protect the species and other endangered fish. Nearly 20% of fish species in the Mekong River are threatened with extinction. 

For now, the rediscovery of the Mekong Ghost represents a much-needed victory for conservationists working to preserve the delicate balance of the river’s ecosystem.