Hanoi, Vietnam – 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 catching of six rare giant catfish in Cambodia in the space of five days, some weighing more than 120 kg (265 lbs), has raised hopes of a revival of a critically endangered species that is among the world's largest freshwater fish.

Conservationists in Cambodia on Friday celebrated the discovery of six highly endangered Mekong giant catfish in the critical Southeast Asian waterway plagued by illegal fishing, habitat loss and plastic waste.