Extinct Mekong 'Ghost Fish' Rediscovered After Nearly 20 Years

The giant salmon carp, once thought extinct, has been spotted three times since 2020, offering new hope for its survival.

The giant salmon carp, also known as the 'ghost fish,' was last confirmed seen in 2005 before recent sightings reignited hopes for its survival.
Researchers documented three sightings of the fish in the Mekong River and a tributary in Cambodia between 2020 and 2023.
The rediscovery was made possible through collaboration with local fishing communities, who reported unusual sightings to biologists.
The fish's plight highlights broader environmental challenges in the Mekong region, including industrial pollution and overfishing.
Efforts are underway to confirm the presence of the fish in other parts of the Mekong River, with potential collaborations in Thailand and Laos.