Giant snakehead fish costs nearly 20 million VND in Nghe An

(Baonghean.vn) - While fishing, a fisherman was lucky to catch a 2m long, 18kg fish on Lam River, on the border between Con Cuong and Tuong Duong districts.

The fish is 2m long and weighs 18kg. Photo: NVCC

Mr. Nguyen Van Tam, block 5, Con Cuong town said that on the morning of August 1, his family bought a 18 kg catfish from a fisherman for nearly 20 million VND.

The fish's body is crooked. Photo: Minh Hanh

After the storm, the Lam River water rises high and is turbid, this is the time when many people catch large fish. According to the experience of fishermen, river fish often live at the bottom of clear water, so after each heavy rain, the river water is often turbid, causing the fish to lack oxygen and their eyes to sting, so they float up. This is the reason why they easily get caught in fishermen's nets, nets, and hooks.

The fish's head is "hugely crooked". Photo: Ba Hau

Lam River fish has a long, slender, round body, long whiskers, and few bones. This fish species often lives in caves and nooks where water flows. It is also a particularly valuable aquatic species in Western Nghe An, each kilogram is often sold for more than 1 million VND. The bigger the fish, the higher the price.

To catch the fish, people often use a hook or dive to the bottom of the river or stream and then use a spear to stab the fish. Currently, due to heavy hunting, this fish is becoming rare.

Ba Hau - Minh Hanh