The Guinness World Records organization has officially recognized a 300 kg freshwater stingray caught in the Mekong River, in the section flowing through Cambodia, as the largest freshwater fish in the world.
“We record that the stingray has a length from head to tail of 3.98 m, a width of 2.2 m, and a weight of 300 kg, making it the largest freshwater fish in the world,” the Guinness World Records organization stated, adding that it was caught in the Mekong River in Cambodia on June 13, 2022.
This giant stingray was named Boramy (Full Moon) by the conservation group Wonders of the Mekong, which then equipped it with a tracking device before releasing it back into the wild.
“Since the female stingray was released back into the river, we have gathered invaluable information about this magnificent species through our acoustic tagging system, which helps us protect this endangered species,” the Wonders of the Mekong conservation group shared.
The stingray recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest freshwater fish in the world. (Photo: Wonders of the Mekong).
Seng Teak, the director of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Cambodia, stated that the giant stingray is a source of pride for Cambodia.
Khmer Times describes the section of the Mekong River in Stung Treng and Kratie provinces of Cambodia as the best habitat for the venomous stingray species.
Mr. Seng Teak added that the 100 km stretch of the Mekong River in these two provinces is home to many freshwater species, including the Asian giant softshell turtle, Mekong catfish, and giant perch.
“This means that our Mekong River is home to many giant animal species. This is something we take pride in, and we must do our utmost to protect them,” Mr. Seng remarked.
The fish named Boramy measures 3.98 m in length and weighs 300 kg. (Photo: Wonders of the Mekong).
Freshwater fish are defined as species that live their entire lives in freshwater, unlike giant marine fish such as bluefin tuna and marlin, or migratory fish that move between freshwater and saltwater, like the giant beluga sturgeon.
The newly discovered stingray not only sets a new record but also signifies the recovery of the Mekong River.
Fishermen caught the Boramy stingray in Koh Preah commune, Siem Bok district, Stung Treng province. Before catching this giant stingray, the fishermen reported seeing “large dark shadows below the water surface at night.”
According to the Washington Post, the previous record for the largest freshwater fish was held by a 293 kg Mekong giant catfish found in Thailand in 2005.
WWF reports that nearly one-third of all freshwater species are threatened with extinction. Since 1970, the number of freshwater fish weighing 30 kg or more has declined by 94%. In 2020 alone, 16 species were declared extinct, including the Chinese paddlefish.
Boramy has been fitted with a tracking device and released back into the wild since June 2022. (Photo: Wonders of the Mekong).
