Oceans, seas, rivers and lakes, even small ponds - the entire hydrosphere of the Earth is an amazing world, mostly hidden from prying eyes. The bottom of many reservoirs has not been studied much, but we cannot deny that complete freedom and weightlessness reign there. Endless expanses, coral reefs, underwater waterfalls, smart dolphins, deadly jellyfish, luminescent microorganisms - the wonders that the World Ocean holds.
Not only large seas, but also rivers with lakes also amaze with the grandeur and diversity of flora and fauna. There is everything that your heart desires: small gudgeons that easily fit in the little handle of a child, and real giants, which it’s difficult to lift even for a few men. Such fish are able to give odds to sharks.
In this article, the real masters of the water element will be described: TOP-10 of the largest freshwater fish in the world. Interesting? Then read on!
Beluga
What is the largest freshwater fish? Its name is Beluga. This is a representative of the sturgeon family, one of the most amazing on the planet. Archaeological research has shown that beluga appeared about 190 million years ago and lived on Earth with dinosaurs and crocodiles. Beluga can rightfully claim the title "The largest freshwater fish in the world." This is incredible, but the length of the largest of all the caught individuals was as much as 7.4 meters, and the weight reached one and a half tons! For comparison: a polar bear weighs about 850 kg.
This is the largest freshwater fish in the world in the Azov, Caspian and Black Sea, and spawns in many large rivers about once every 3 years. The female spawns in April – May, lays from 300 thousand to 7 million eggs.
Beluga caviar is black and is considered the most valuable of all sturgeons. For this reason, huge fish become desirable prey for poachers. Their massive catch is prohibited by the state. Unfortunately, the species abundance has recently declined markedly. In the IWC, this is the largest freshwater fish in the world with a status of “near extinction”.
Today, Beluga is artificially bred not only in the Russian Federation, but also in other countries. Perhaps such a measure will help to increase the number of species and the beluga will not disappear in the coming years.
The world's largest freshwater fish lives on average 100 years, puberty in males occurs at 12-14 years, and in females at 16-18. Beluga is a predator. It feeds mainly on small fish and shellfish, especially large specimens do not disdain even seals. Usually lives at a very great depth in bodies of water with a strong current. Despite the fact that the beluga is an independent species, it can hybridize with stellate sturgeon, sterlet, spike, sturgeon. As a result of this practice, viable hybrids were obtained, in particular, beluga sterlet (Bester). Sturgeon hybrids are successfully grown in pond farms.
Now you know what is the largest freshwater fish in the world. Photo Beluga is in the article.
Kaluga
Freshwater fish from the sturgeon family. It lives in the Amur River. The population has declined significantly due to unlimited Chinese fishing. Sometimes a fish reaches 5 meters and weighs 1200 kilograms. Kaluga is a predator; in the absence of food, it practices cannibalism. The Red Book of Russia claims that in nature there are only a few thousand sexually mature individuals. In the Russian Federation, commercial fishing has been prohibited since 1958. In China, it is legalized.
White sturgeon
It is the largest freshwater fish in North America. Together with beluga and kaluga, it represents a family of sturgeons, it amazes with its huge size. The huge fish has an elongated slender body, there are no scales.
The largest specimen weighed about 800 kilograms and had a length of more than 6 meters. Lives in fresh waters of the USA and Canada. Prefers large and medium rivers with a weak current.
Bull shark, or blunt shark
It is the largest freshwater fish in South America, Africa and Australia. The life of an individual lasts approximately 30 years.
It is an extremely aggressive predator. One of the few species of sharks that feel comfortable in both salt and fresh water. The length of this fish is 3.5 m, weight - 450 kg. The bull shark lives in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean. The Australian River Brisbane is inhabited by an entire population of about 500 individuals. The female carries the baby 10-11 months, after which it leaves him forever.
This species, along with a tiger, white and long-winged shark, is the leader in the number of attacks on humans. Currently, there are 26 fatal cases.
Giant Mekong catfish and common catfish
These two species divided among themselves 5th place. Rivers and lakes of Thailand are considered the home of the giant Mekong catfish. It is the largest species among its relatives, and for this reason it is often considered and studied separately from the rest. The body length of the fish reaches 4.5-5.0 meters, weight - up to 300 kg. Fish and small animals are a favorite treat of giant catfish.
Common catfish has a body length of up to 5 meters, weighs up to 350 kg. It inhabits the water bodies of the European part of Russia, as well as eastern and central Europe.
Nile perch
Distributed throughout tropical Africa. The maximum length of one individual is 200 cm, weight - 200 kg. It is a predator, feeds on fish and crustaceans. Carries its fry in the oral cavity. This helps them survive and increases the population.
Arapayma
It is considered a river monster of the Amazon. For the first time, European scientists noticed it at the beginning of the 19th century. However, they still have not been able to study all the features of this fish.
Arapaima is able to use atmospheric air as the main source of oxygen. This feature allows it to be a universal predator and hunt not only fish, but also other animals, including birds. Arapaimes grow up to 3 meters in length, their weight is 150-190 kg.
Indian carp
It inhabits the water bodies of India and Thailand. Prefers quiet still water. On average, grows up to 180 cm and weighs 150 kg. It eats small fish, small crustaceans and worms. Distributed almost throughout Europe, found in Asia. Its weight usually does not exceed 30 kg, the largest recorded carp weighed 70 kg.
Paddlefish
It lives in water bodies of the eastern part of the USA. It grows in length to 180-220 cm, weight reaches 90 kg. In the seventies of the last century, it was introduced into the territory of the USSR. Since then, they began to breed him in the Crimea.
Common taimen
The largest and oldest fish in the salmon family. Distributed in the eastern part of Russia and Siberia. He likes cold and fast rivers. Taimen is a large representative of the salmon family, reaches 1.5-2.0 m in length and weighs more than 60 kg. It is a dangerous predator. It feeds on fish.
