The ‘Mekong ghost’ megafish has resurfaced after an extinction scare
Share
SHARE
The “Mekong ghost” fish is a ghost no more.
Like the legendary Rip Van Winkle, who wandered into the woods and disappeared for 20 years, the giant salmon carp (Aaptosyax grypus) of Southeast Asia’s Mekong River also seemed to vanish into the depths of myth. The megafish had not been documented since 2005, leading many to believe the species had quietly slipped into extinction.
But scientists have now confirmed the discovery of three individuals, caught from 2020 to 2023 in Cambodian waters. The finds reignite hope for the giant salmon carp’s survival, fish ecologist Bunyeth Chan and colleagues report in the November Biological Conservation.
Two of the rediscovered giant salmon carp were caught in this area of the Sesan River, a tributary to the Mekong River. Dams, like one creating this reservoir area, have altered the flows of the river system and blocked migratory paths of fish like the giant salmon carp.Chhut Chheana/Wonders of the Mekong
In their search for the elusive species, the researchers had worked closely with fishing communities, spreading the word that they were looking for “pa sanak,” the local name for the carp. In 2020, a fisherman contacted the Cambodian Fisheries Administration about an unusual catch. But with only photographs of the fish, scientists couldn’t definitively confirm its identity.
Then, in 2022 and 2023, scientists got their hands on two more specimens caught by fishermen, and confirmed they’d seen a ghost. “I was extremely surprised and excited to see the existence of Aaptosyax in the Mekong after its disappearance for so long,” says Chan, of Svay Rieng University in Cambodia.
A Cambodian fisheries official samples DNA from a giant salmon carp to help confirm its identity. It was feared that this species, known as the “Mekong ghost,” had gone extinct.Chhut Chheana/Wonders of the Mekong
The giant salmon carp, with its distinctive hooked jaw and salmonlike body, can grow up to 1.3 meters long and weigh over 30 kilograms. Its habitat, the Mekong River, is home to more megafish than any other river, including the Mekong giant catfish and giant freshwater stingray.
However, the future of these river giants remains uncertain. Many megafish, including the giant salmon carp, are migratory species that rely on seasonal movements to feed and spawn. But dams built throughout the Mekong system have disrupted these migrations.
Overfishing and climate change pose significant threats to the survival of marine species, including the giant salmon carp. Recently, three new giant salmon carp were discovered outside their expected range, indicating that the species may have a wider distribution than previously thought. This discovery has prompted Cambodia to add the giant salmon carp to its list of protected species, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the Mekong River.
The rediscovery of the giant salmon carp serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting biodiversity hotspots like the Mekong River. Researchers, led by fish biologist Zeb Hogan from the University of Nevada, Reno, emphasize that safeguarding the salmon carp is not just about saving a species but also about preserving a crucial part of Earth’s biodiversity.
The conservation of the giant salmon carp and its habitat is essential for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Mekong River. Efforts to address overfishing and mitigate the impacts of climate change are crucial in protecting vulnerable species like the giant salmon carp and maintaining the ecological integrity of the Mekong River.
By raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and implementing measures to address the threats facing marine species, we can work towards ensuring the survival of the giant salmon carp and other endangered species in the Mekong River. The rediscovery of the giant salmon carp serves as a call to action to prioritize conservation efforts and protect the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem. I’m sorry, but you haven’t provided me with an existing article to rewrite. Could you please provide me with the article or topic you’d like me to write about? The Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and has gained popularity in recent years as a tool for improving mental health. Numerous studies have shown the benefits of meditation for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improving focus, attention, and overall well-being.
One of the main benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress. When we meditate, we focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future. This helps to calm the mind and reduce the production of stress hormones such as cortisol. By practicing meditation regularly, we can train our minds to better handle stress and prevent it from overwhelming us.
Meditation has also been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. By practicing mindfulness and focusing on the present moment, we can gain a better understanding of our emotions and learn to respond to them in a more positive way. This can help to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and improve overall mental well-being.
Furthermore, meditation has been found to improve focus and attention. By training our minds to stay present and focused during meditation, we can improve our ability to concentrate on tasks in our daily lives. This can be especially beneficial for those who struggle with attention deficit disorders or have difficulty focusing on tasks for long periods of time.
In addition to improving mental health, meditation has also been shown to have physical health benefits. Studies have found that meditation can reduce blood pressure, improve heart health, and boost the immune system. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, meditation can help to improve overall physical well-being as well.
Overall, the benefits of meditation for mental health are numerous. By reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, improving focus and attention, and promoting overall well-being, meditation can be a valuable tool for improving mental health and quality of life. Whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years, incorporating meditation into your daily routine can have a positive impact on your mental health.
