Catching six Mekong giant catfish is sign of hope for species – conservationists

Fishermen hold a Mekong giant catfish before releasing it in the river in Kampong Cham, Cambodia. Picture: Zeb Hogan, USAID Wonders of the Mekong Project via AP

Six critically endangered Mekong giant catfish – one of the largest and rarest freshwater fish in the world – were caught and released recently in Cambodia, reviving hopes for the survival of the species.

The underwater giants can grow up to 3m (10ft) long and weigh up to 300kg, as heavy as a grand piano.