Scientists shocked by rediscovery of giant ‘ghost fish’ thought to be extinct

(CNN) – Environmentalists are shaking their heads in disbelief over the recent discovery of a fish in Southeast Asia that many believed to be extinct.

Several years ago, Cambodian fishermen spotted giant salmon carp in the Mekong River.

The information detailing the discovery that occurred between 2020 and last year has already been made public.

The fish was last seen almost 20 years ago and, because it disappeared, it earned the nickname “The Ghost of the Mekong”.

Giant salmon carp can grow up to 66 pounds.

When fishermen caught some last year, they weighed between 11 and 13 pounds and were up to three feet long.

Environmentalists say climate change and projects like hydroelectric dams are harming some of the species that once thrived in the river.

They estimate that nearly a fifth of the Mekong’s fish are threatened with extinction.

But the reappearance of giant salmon carp offers new hope.

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