In June 2022, Cambodia made global headlines with the discovery of a true natural giant—the largest freshwater fish ever recorded. Caught in the deep, mysterious waters of the Mekong River in Stung Treng province, the record-breaking catch was a 300-kg (660-lb) giant freshwater stingray, affectionately named Boramey, which means “full moon” in Khmer—an ode to her rounded shape and majestic size.
Known scientifically as Urogymnus polylepis and in Khmer as ត្រីបបែលយក្សទឹកសាប, this female stingray stretched an incredible 3.98 meters long (13 feet) with a disc width of 2.2 meters (7.2 feet). Her sheer size and presence confirm what many scientists and locals already knew: the Mekong River is a living treasure trove of biodiversity—and home to some of the largest freshwater species on Earth.
The discovery was made possible thanks to the teamwork between local fishers and scientists from the US-Cambodian Wonders of the Mekong project, an international initiative focused on studying and protecting the river’s ecosystems. After verifying Boramey’s measurements, the team confirmed her place in history as the largest documented freshwater fish ever caught.
But this isn’t just a story about size—it’s a powerful reminder of what’s at stake.
The Mekong River is one of the most biodiverse waterways in the world, yet it faces mounting threats from overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate change. The capture and safe release of Boramey underscore the need for stronger conservation efforts, not just in Cambodia but across the entire Mekong basin.
Boramey’s story is a symbol of hope and pride for Cambodia—and a call to protect the wonders hidden beneath our rivers. Her record-setting presence shines a spotlight on the importance of local knowledge, scientific research, and global cooperation in preserving our planet’s natural heritage.
See giant freshwater whipray – ត្រីបបែលយក្សទឹកសាប
