Back to earth

I was trying to do a little independent research on the genetic similarities between humans and dogs. Unquestionably interesting but then I found this story, I read this kinda shit and I begin to think " maybe Tom Cruise don't know everything" and then I think, God I love a good catfish story! JW
Read below the lines.
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

NE WS Front Page Animals & Nature Archaeology & Paleontology Environment History & Culture Science & Space Health Offbeat Photo in the News Travel & Adventure SPECIAL SERIES Pulse of the Planet National Geographic Channel RESOURCES (What's this?) Contact Us

Front Page > Animals & Nature Grizzly Bear-Size Catfish Caught in Thailand James Owen for National Geographic News June 29, 2005 View a gallery of exclusive pictures of the giant catfish. Nearly nine feet long (2.7 meters) and as big as a grizzly bear, a huge catfish caught in northern Thailand may be the largest freshwater fish ever recorded. Caught last month (May 1) in the Mekong River, a team of fishermen struggled for more than an hour to haul the creature in. It tipped the scales at 646 pounds (293 kilograms). Despite efforts to keep the Mekong giant catfish alive, it died and was later eaten by villagers. The Mekong giant catfish (Pangasianodon gigas) species is listed as critically endangered by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), which means it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild. The rare specimen, captured in Chiang Khong district, is the largest since Thailand began keeping records in 1981. The giant catfish is currently the focus of a World Wildlife Fund and National Geographic Society project to identify and study the planet's biggest freshwater fish—those that grow to 220 pounds (100 kilograms) in weight or more than 6.5 feet (two meters) in length. "It's amazing to think that giants like this still swim in some of the world's rivers," said project leader Zeb Hogan, a National Geographic Society emerging explorer and a WWF conservation science fellow. "We believe this catfish is the current record-holder—an astonishing find," Hogan added. "I have heard of three-meter-plus [ten-foot] catfish in Bulgaria, 500-kilogram [1,100-kilogram] stingrays in Southeast Asia, and five-meter [16-foot] arapaima in the Amazon, but up until now we have not been able to confirm these reports." Other contenders for the title of world's largest freshwater fish include the Chinese paddlefish and dog-eating catfish—another Mekong giant. Hogan says such big species are poorly studied and in urgent need of protection. "In many locations they are now so rare that the opportunity for documentation and study may soon be lost," he said. Photographer Suthep Kritsanavarin witnessed the record catch on the Thai side of the Mekong, across the water from Laos. "I may never see anything like it again in my lifetime," he said. Kritsanavarin says only four other Mekong giant catfish were landed this year. Breeding Program CONTINUED 1 | 2 Next >> TODAY'S MOST POPULAR STORIES Grizzly Bear-Size Catfish Caught in Thailand Nearly nine feet long (2.7 meters) and as big as a grizzly bear, a huge catfish ... Space Shuttle Returns to Flight With Discovery Two years after the Columbia disaster, Discovery will launch next ... Photo in the News: Ultra-Lifelike Robot Debuts in Japan As a surprisingly lifelike new android "came to life" at the 2005 World Expo in ... For Gift Orders, Click Here For International Orders, Click Here Offer applies to U.S. and Canadian addresses only. Savings based on annual U.S. newsstand price of $59.40. Canadian price C$33 ($21 U.S.), including GST. Sales tax will be added where applicable. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. While all dues support National Geographic's mission of expanding geographic knowledge, 90 percent is designated for the magazine subscription, and no portion should be considered a charitable contribution. TODAY'S MOST POPULAR STORY Grizzly Bear-Size Catfish Caught in Thailand Advertisement This may be the largest freshwater fish on record. The Mekong giant catfish was wrestled from a river in northern Thailand a month ago. The 646-pound (293-kilogram) catfish did not survive the ordeal and wound up as dinner for many families. (See exclusive photos of the villagers butchering the fish.) Photograph copyright Suthep Kritsanavarin, released by NGS and WWF RELATED STORIES Photo in the News: New Catfish Species Found in Mexico Search Is on for World's Biggest Freshwater Fish Can Angling Save World's Largest Salmon? News Photo Gallery: Mekong Giant Catfish Big Trouble for Asia's Giant Catfish Giant Catfish Critically Endangered, Group Says Search RELATED WEB SITES National Geographic Emerging Explorer: Zeb Hogan Zeb Hogan WWF Mekong River Programme ARTICLE TOOLS E-mail This Story Sign up for Newsletters Reprints/Permissions

© 1996-2005 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.	HomeSite IndexSearchFree NewslettersSubscriptions ShoppingContact UsAdvertise With UsPrivacy PolicyPress Room