Largest freshwater animal

largest freshwater animal

The largest freshwater animal in the world is generally considered to be the giant freshwater stingray (Urogymnus polylepis).

Size

• It can reach up to 5 meters (16 feet) in length, including the tail.
• Weighs as much as 600–800 kg (1,300–1,800 lbs).
• Native to rivers in Southeast Asia, such as the Mekong and Chao Phraya.

Other Contenders

Depending on how “largest” is defined (length vs. weight), there are other rivals:

• Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso): Found in the Caspian and Black Sea basins; can exceed 7 meters (23 feet) and weigh over 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs). However, it spends much of its life in brackish waters, not strictly freshwater.
• Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas): Native to the Mekong River, it can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) and weigh up to 300 kg (660 lbs).

👉 If we’re strict about freshwater-only species, the giant freshwater stingray holds the record. 👉 If we include fish that migrate between freshwater and brackish/sea environments, the beluga sturgeon can be even larger.

Would you like me to make you a size comparison chart of these freshwater giants?