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Huge stingray in Cambodia weighing 300 kgs could be world’s largest freshwater fish. Watch

The video of the huge stingray in Cambodia weighing 300 kgs was posted on YouTube.

Published on: Jun 21, 2022, 13:46:52 IST
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A post about a huge freshwater stingray weighing nearly 300 kgs has created a buzz online. Shared on YouTube, a video also shows a group of volunteers releasing the fish in water. The share also documents how it could be the world's largest freshwater fish.

The image, taken from the YouTube video, shows a huge stingray caught in Cambodia which could be world's largest freshwater fish. (YouTube/@Wonders of the Mekong)
The image, taken from the YouTube video, shows a huge stingray caught in Cambodia which could be world's largest freshwater fish. (YouTube/@Wonders of the Mekong)

The video is posted on the YouTube channel Wonders of the Mekong. The bio explains that the channel is dedicated to “improve understanding, appreciation, and capacity to manage a healthy Mekong River for fish, wildlife, and people. ” It further says, “The project also seeks to highlight the conservation value of the Mekong River’s ecosystem services, habitats, cultural heritage, and biodiversity. These goals will be accomplished through research, capacity building, and communication. ” One of the world's great rivers, Mekong flows through six Asian countries, including Cambodia where the fish was spotted.

Along with the clip a detailed caption is also posted that explains more about the fish and what its discovery means. “The 661-pound endangered giant freshwater stingray surpasses the current record holder, a 646-pound Mekong giant catfish that was caught in Thailand in 2005. This is an astonishing, globally significant event and one that also holds deeper meaning because many species of giant freshwater fish face extinction. Indeed, another contender for largest fish, the Chinese paddlefish, was officially declared extinct in 2020. Finding and documenting this fish is remarkable, and a rare positive sign of hope, even more so because it occurred in the Mekong, a river that's currently facing many challenges,” the post reads.

“The stingray was fitted with an acoustic tag which will allow the team to track its movements for the next year. The technology, which includes an array of 36 listening devices deployed along the Mekong and 3S Rivers, will enable biologists to learn more about the secretive creature's elusive behaviour,” it further explains.

Take a look at the video:

Since being shared, the post has accumulated various comments. “Wow! That's a HUGE fish. I'm sooooo happy that it was released back into the river!” wrote a YouTube user. “Magnificent creature. Glad they released it. I wonder how old it was?” expressed another.

What are your thoughts on the video?

  • Trisha Sengupta
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Trisha Sengupta

    Trisha Sengupta works as Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over six years of experience in the digital newsroom. Known for her ability to decode the internet’s most talked-about moments, she specialises in high-engagement storytelling that bridges the gap between viral trends and traditional journalism. Throughout her tenure, Trisha has focused on the intersection of technology, finance, and human emotion. She frequently covers personal finance and real estate struggles in hubs like Gurgaon, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, while also documenting the unique challenges of the NRI experience. Her work often highlights the movements and philosophies of global newsmakers and personalities like Elon Musk, Mukesh Ambani, Nikhil Kamath, Dubai crown prince, and MrBeast. From reporting on Amazon or Meta layoffs and startup culture to the emergence of AI-driven platforms like Grok and xAI, she provides a grounded and empathetic perspective on the stories shaping our world. When not decoding the internet, Trisha is likely offline: lost in a book, exploring a historical ruin, or navigating the world as a solo traveler. She balances her fast-paced career with family time and a healthy dose of curiosity, currently trading her "human" sources for silicon ones as she masters AI to future-proof her storytelling.Read More