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Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
The Megafishes Project (led by Zeb Hogan) represents the first worldwide attempt to document and protect the planet's largest freshwater fish, like this alligator gar held by one of Dr. Hogan's assistants. -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
The use of fresh water has led to the declining populations of many aquatic species, like this African lungfish. -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
Fish like the taimen are slowly disappearing. -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
Dr. Zeb Hogan (pictured above with a giant stingray) is leading the Megafishes Project. -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
Hogan and his team of investigators will gather information about the life history, population status, geographic range, and threats associated with each species, including the above-pictured piraiba. -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
Researchers also hope to identify the planet's largest freshwater fish, like this Mississippi paddlefish, with this project. -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
According to Hogan, "Freshwater biodiversity conservation—including animals like the Mekong catfish, river dolphins, and otters—is every bit as important as the protection of animals like tigers and whales, perhaps more so." A large taimen is pictured above. -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
Lake sturgeon can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) and 300 pounds (136 kg). -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
Hypophthalmus (a genus of catfish) splash around at a fish farm. -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
A powerful flashlight shines on the megafishes in the Ayutthaya Aquarium. -
Photograph courtesy Zeb Hogan
With the help of international donors, local residents are establishing a catch-and-release fly-fishing system. No fish are harvested, and local people are given an economic incentive for conserving the resource.
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