Mekong Stingray Breaks World Records
The stingray was named “Boramey,” meaning full moon in the Khmer language. Photo: Chhum Chantha
- By Chhum Chantha
- and Teng Yalirozy
- November 15, 2023 3:05 PM
PHNOM PENH – A giant female stingray found in Cambodia has been recognised officially as breaking world records as the largest freshwater fish and largest female fish specimen.
The 3.98 meter stingray, which weighed about 300 kilos, was caught in June last year by fishermen in the northern Stung Treng region.
The stingray was named “Boramey,” meaning full moon in the Khmer language.
Yip Chong Wei, a presentative of the Guinness World Records, said Boramey deserved the recognition, believing that many rare fish and species in the Mekong River are undiscovered that would receive world recognition.
He said that he wanted the world to know that Cambodia has the world’s biggest freshwater stingray.
“Most importantly, not only Cambodians should be informed about this milestone but people in the world should know,” he said. “Through this certified reward, I believe the world will be informed.”
Boramey has been evaluated by Guinness World Records since June 2022 through a number of exhibits, including photos, videos and reports provided by researchers.
Has Sareth, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, said the award of two world records certified for Boramey is a great honor for Cambodia.
He said the Mekong River in Cambodia has more fish and other rare species, into which more research is needed.
US Ambassador W. Patrick Murphy said the stingray is a prime example of biodiversity, a source of pride for the entire kingdom.
“The Mekong preservation is a collaborative effort, not just happening unilaterally,” he said. “It takes the contribution from inland fishery research, requiring cooperation with the local experts and international experts.”
In 2022, three freshwater giant stingrays were accidentally caught by fishermen in Siem Bok district, Stung Treng province.
The first weighed 180kg, the second 143kg and the third 300kg. The third was the one that made it into the record books.
Has Sareth encouraged the protection and conservation of natural resources and freshwater fish.
Since 2020, the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Wonders of Mekong have released 16,236 endangered fish species back into the river, including giant barb, Mekong giant catfish, thicklip barb, striped catfish, and stingray.
The stingray can be found in Kratie and Stung Treng provinces. It can grow up to 240cm wide and weigh up to 600kg. The giant stingray is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
