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Cambodia Releases 661-lb Giant Freshwater Stingray, Mekong Record

8/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Cambodia caught and released a 661-pound giant freshwater stingray in 2022, the largest freshwater fish recorded.
The Mekong River, which hosts more megafish than any other river, saw Kampong Cham crews use 2,000-foot seine nets in the early 1980s to haul striped catfish and up to ten giant catfish.
Since the 1990s, Upper Mekong dams, Laos hydropower, sand mining and disrupted floods have harmed fish, says analyst Brian Eyler.

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Story summary

Cambodia caught and released a 661-pound giant freshwater stingray in 2022, the largest freshwater fish recorded.
The Mekong River, which hosts more megafish than any other river, saw Kampong Cham crews use 2,000-foot seine nets in the early 1980s to haul striped catfish and up to ten giant catfish.
Since the 1990s, Upper Mekong dams, Laos hydropower, sand mining and disrupted floods have harmed fish, says analyst Brian Eyler.