This is the heartwarming moment a critically endangered giant barb was released back into the Mekong River.

A group of local anglers caught the 20kg fish and handed it over to irrigation and fisheries officers in Kratie, Cambodia.

Footage shows an official aboard a wooden boat carefully lowering the massive freshwater species into the murky river waters on July 18.

Following the release, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reportedly instructed the Irrigation Administration to extend formal appreciation to the fishermen, encouraging similar contributions to Cambodia's vital national wildlife conservation efforts.

The giant barb, Cambodia's national fish, is listed as Critically Endangered due to severe overfishing, habitat degradation, and the fragmentation of its natural river systems.

Historical catch records highlight a steep population decline—from 200 tonnes in 1964 to just 10 individuals recorded by 2000.

Today, sightings of mature giant barbs are exceedingly rare. No specimen over 150 kilograms has been documented in Cambodia since 1994, and the global weight record currently stands at 105 kilograms, caught in Thailand in 2019.

Experts estimate that very few individuals survive to reproductive age in the wild, largely due to their slow growth and continued environmental pressures.

In response, Cambodian authorities have implemented captive breeding programs, restocking initiatives, and fisheries protection laws.

The fish was officially declared a national symbol by Royal Decree in 2005, helping to elevate public awareness and support for conservation.

Efforts are now focused on rebuilding wild populations through hatchery releases and enhanced river habitat protection.