What Is The Largest Freshwater Fish In The World?

“What is the largest freshwater fish in the world?” The answer to this intriguing question lies in the vast waterways of Russia and North America. In Russia, the title of the largest freshwater fish belongs to the beluga sturgeon, known scientifically as Huso huso. Meanwhile, in North America, it’s the white sturgeon, scientifically known as Acipenser transmontanus, that claims this prestigious record. White sturgeon, native to North America, have been known to grow to impressive lengths of 15 to 20 feet and can weigh nearly a ton. However, the competition for the title doesn’t end there; the second-largest freshwater fish in North America is the formidable alligator gar, a powerful predator in its own right. These two regions offer a fascinating glimpse into the diverse world of enormous freshwater fish.

The Mekong River in Cambodia is home to the largest freshwater fish in Asia, which was a remarkable discovery by scientists on June 20, 2022. This astonishing find was a colossal stingray weighing a staggering 300 kilograms (661 pounds). This remarkable stingray’s immense size has set a new record as the largest freshwater fish ever documented in Asia. This discovery not only showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Mekong River but also emphasizes the importance of preserving this unique aquatic ecosystem.

What is the king of freshwater fish? The Chinese sturgeon, scientifically known as Acipenser sinensis, holds the title of freshwater royalty. These magnificent creatures can attain an impressive size, with adult Chinese sturgeon reaching lengths of up to five meters and weighing close to 500 kilograms, which is approximately as heavy as four adult pandas. This remarkable information was last confirmed on April 27, 2020, highlighting the astounding dimensions and significance of this aquatic species.