Laos: Fishermen on the Mekong River at Vientiane compete to catch Giant Mekong Catfish. 1897.

Often weighing over 200 kg (450 lbs), the Giant Mekong Catfish was protected by decree in Southeast Asia as far back as the 19th century. Fishermen in Laos were only allowed to catch the ‘pa buek’ fish on full moon and the following two days. Nowadays, despite these efforts, the giant catfish is extremely rare and is listed as critically endangered. It breeds in the brackish waters of the Vietnamese delta and in the border area comprising Laos, Thailand and Cambodia.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

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Pictures From History

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Mekong,