Giant Freshwater Stingray

The giant freshwater stingray (Himantura chaophraya) is a species of stingray in the family Dasyatidae, native to large rivers and estuaries of Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world, with reports from the Chao Phraya and Mekong Rivers of individuals weighing 500–600 kg (1,100–1,300 lbs). Its numbers are dwindling due to overfishing and habitat loss, and it is in danger of extinction. The smaller freshwater whipray of New Guinea and northern Australia was once considered to be conspecific with the giant freshwater stingray but is now recognised as a separate species. It is possible the correct scientific name for the giant freshwater stingray is Himantura polylepis.