National and regional conservationists have released 34 fish – including critically endangered and rare species – into the Mekong River near Koh Oknha Tey and in front of the Royal Palace in recent days, noting that the release is part of preserving natural heritage for future generations.
The Wonders of the Mekong organisation said on Wednesday that the fish were sourced from a private pond, as well as small juvenile Isok barb and two giant barb that had been caught during the 2025–2026 season.
The 34 fish, each tagged before release, included two Mekong giant catfish, 10 giant barb, 19 juvenile and adult isok barb, one striped catfish, one wallago attu and one wallago leerii.
On Dec 29 last year, a Mekong giant catfish weighing 30kg and measuring 148cm was caught in the Mekong River by a fisherman in Tbong Khmum province was handed over to the Tbong Khmum Fisheries Administration.
In cooperation with the Inland Fisheries Research and Development Institute and the Wonders of the Mekong project, the team tagged the fish and released it into its natural habitat.
The Mekong giant catfish is considered the “king of freshwater fish” and can grow up to 300kg and a length of up to 300cm. The species is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. — The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
