Unveiling the Mystery: 45kg “Monster Fish” Successfully Cultivated in Hòa Bình Reservoir for the First Time

At the 2024 Da River Fish and Shrimp Festival, hosted by Hoa Binh province, a “monster fish” weighing over 45 kg captured the spotlight among visitors and experts alike. This sturgeon, raised by Hai Dang Seafood Company within the Hoa Binh Reservoir, was auctioned off for a staggering 150 million VND—a price that left locals in awe.

The entire proceeds were used by the company to purchase fish fry, which were released back into the reservoir to replenish the aquatic resources and honor the Da River, a lifeline for thousands of households over the years.

Sturgeon (Acipenser spp.), belonging to the class Actinopterygii, are among the oldest fish species on Earth, with a 100-million-year evolutionary history. There are 25 distinct species, including the white sturgeon, starry sturgeon, beluga sturgeon, and sterlet. Some species thrive in freshwater, while others inhabit marine environments, migrating upstream to large rivers for spawning.

Characterized by their elongated, cylindrical bodies, sturgeons have five rows of bony plates instead of scales and thick, rough skin. Their skeletons are entirely cartilaginous, similar to sharks and rays. Some adults can reach lengths of 2.5 to 3.5 meters, with certain species weighing over a ton and exceeding 4 meters. Sturgeon are also among the longest-living freshwater fish, with lifespans surpassing 150 years.

Despite their size, sturgeons feed on small bottom-dwelling organisms. Their wedge-shaped snouts and four sensory barbels help them forage in soft mud. Lacking teeth, they are unable to prey on larger animals.

Conquering New Waters in the Hoa Binh Reservoir

Traditionally, sturgeons are farmed in cold-water regions like Sa Pa or the Central Highlands. Introducing them to the warmer Hoa Binh Reservoir was a bold experiment.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Dung, CEO of Hai Dang Seafood Group, shared with Hoa Binh Newspaper: “The reservoir’s water conditions are not naturally suited for sturgeons, which thrive in cold environments. However, through proprietary technology, we achieved success.”

To acclimate the fish, Hai Dang’s technical team studied the reservoir’s hydrology. Divers assessed water depth, temperature, and quality before deploying the cages. “The deeper the water, the colder it gets—a critical factor for sturgeon growth,” explained Ms. Dung. The 45 kg sturgeon auctioned at the festival was from the first experimental batch, sourced directly from Sa Pa.

Economic and Tourism Potential of the Hoa Binh Reservoir

The Hoa Binh Reservoir, Southeast Asia’s largest artificial lake, is often referred to as the “treasure” of the Da River. Its majestic scenery and rich aquatic resources have made it a focal point for development. In recent years, cage aquaculture on the Da River has become a vital economic sector, significantly contributing to Hoa Binh’s agricultural growth.

The province aims to promote specialty aquaculture alongside ecotourism and community-based tourism, with sturgeon farming seen as a promising venture.

The auction of the giant sturgeon not only drew attention for its size but also demonstrated the feasibility of farming this demanding species in the reservoir. Hai Dang’s initial success paves the way for new specialty products branded under the Da River name, while boosting experiential tourism activities such as cage visits and reservoir ecology exploration.

Thus, the 45 kg “monster fish” at the 2024 festival symbolizes not just a size record but also the dedication and innovation of those enriching the Hoa Binh Reservoir through science and passion for the Da River.