What is a Mekong Giant Catfish?
The Mekong giant catfish is one of the most fascinating members of both the catfish family and the endangered species list. It remains a topic of interest for fish lovers, aquarists and animal lovers around the globe.
Origin
This monster fish comes from the Mekong River of Asia, and that is the place that it still calls home. Today, Mekong giant catfish are primarily found in the lower part of this river near the countries surrounding Thailand.
Characteristics
A member of the catfish shark family, this fish is an interesting mixture of both a shark and a catfish. It’s the grey and white color to remind most of the shark, and it grows to almost ten feet long. The size of this fish remains one of the things that it is known for.
Diet
Although most people think of sharks eating fish, this particular member of the shark catfish family prefers plants and algae to attack other fish. It will eat fish if no other food is available, but that is the last resort. For the most part, it is non-aggressive, and it shows that through how it chooses to eat.
Endangered Species
Mekong catfish have made their way onto the endangered species list. Scientists that study this fish believe that the number of fish has fallen over 80% in the past ten numbers. An exact number of fish in the wild is not available, but there has been less fish spotted, breeding and captured than prior years.
These fish face several threats that have contributed to their falling numbers. One of the main threats is the dams being built along the Mekong River. Fish migrate upstream for the perfect conditions to breed, but they are unable to do that because of the dams being in their way. If they do not have the ideal breeding conditions, they will not breed.
Overfishing remains another primary threat to these fish. Their monstrous size makes them a prize for trophy fishers, and fishermen are always happy to enjoy some of their delicious meat.
Conservation efforts
Because of their endangered species status, several conservation efforts are underway to protect them from becoming extinct. Although dams are still in existence, conservation groups are now breeding fish in captivity and then releasing them again in the wild. It is also illegal in certain countries to harvest giant catfish, and fishing for them is also illegal. Activist groups quickly report anyone seen fishing for these fish in an effort to do their part. It will take years to bring their numbers back up, but there is still hope for the Mekong catfish.
Cool Facts
The size of this fish is not the only impressive thing about them. These other facts are pretty cool too.
- Largest freshwater fish
- Do not have any teeth
- Only species of catfish that does not have teeth
- Nonaggressive but powerful
- Breeding is determined by size not weight
There are enough of these fish to maintain their existence, but scientists and activist groups continue to make every effort possible to ensure that they do not become extinct. These fish are beautiful and unique in every way, from their temperament to their diet.
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