Login Register

Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Large South American predator discovered at Angkor Wat

Large South American predator discovered at Angkor Wat

| Publication date 04 November 2022 | 12:09 ICT

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Arapaima or dragonfish found dead at Angkor Wat moat on November 3. ANA

Large South American predator discovered at Angkor Wat

The Apsara National Authority (ANA) announced that the giant fish found dead in the Angkor Wat moat is an arapaima which had been put in the moat without permission.

In a November 4 press statement, the ANA said that arapaima, or dragonfish, is native to the Amazon River network in South America. The fish was found dead in the northern moat of Angkor Wat by environmental workers of the ANA. Fisheries experts had inspected the specimen found no sign of any injuries caused by humans. They concluded that the fish died of natural causes.

“This species is an aggressive predator that eats smaller fish. It had been deposited into the moat by an unknown person. The ANA has previously declared a ban on releasing non-native fish into the Angkor Wat moat. Doing so could easily upset the balance of the delicate ecosystem,” added the statement.

MOST VIEWED

  • Wing Bank opens new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004

    Wing Bank celebrates first anniversary as commercial bank with launch of brand-new branch. One year since officially launching with a commercial banking licence, Wing Bank on March 14 launched a new branch in front of Orkide The Royal along Street 2004. The launch was presided over by

  • Girl from Stung Meanchey dump now college grad living in Australia

    After finishing her foundational studies at Trinity College and earning a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Melbourne in 2022, Ron Sophy, a girl who once lived at the Stung Meanchey garbage dump and scavenged for things to sell, is now working at a private

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Wat Phnom hornbills attract tourists, locals

    Thanks to the arrival of a friendly flock of great hornbills, Hour Rithy, a former aviculturist – or raiser of birds – in Kratie province turned Phnom Penh tuk tuk driver, has seen a partial return to his former profession. He has become something of a guide

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one