The giant salmon carp, once feared extinct in the Mekong River, has reappeared after being absent for nearly two decades. This species, known for its impressive size and distinctive features, such as a knob on its lower jaw and a yellow patch around its eyes, has not been officially seen since 2005. However, in recent years, the fish has been spotted in the Mekong River and a tributary, following efforts by biologists to engage local fishing communities in the search. Since 2020, three specimens have been discovered, providing a significant opportunity to study and possibly protect the species, which had been thought to be lost forever.

Despite the encouraging news, the survival of the giant salmon carp faces significant challenges. Industrial pollution, overfishing, and the construction of more than 700 dams across the Mekong basin have severely disrupted vital migratory routes for many fish species, including the giant salmon carp. Experts have raised concerns over the lack of effective fish migration passages in these dams. To address this, biologists are collaborating with communities in Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos to determine if the fish can be found in other parts of the river. Such international cooperation and sustainable practices are essential for the long-term conservation of this vulnerable species.