Aquarium to open new exhibit of monster fish

[CMF Newsman]

There's something primal that leads people to wonder what's lurking below the surface of any large river. Humans seem to be hardwired to be both fascinated by, and somewhat fearful of, Volkswagen-sized catfish.

Soon a remarkable collection of freshwater fish that can reach such legendary sizes will be on display at the Tennessee Aquarium. The new River Giants exhibit, opening April 28th, features amazing species that grow to enormous proportions in the wild.

"These guys are the Goliaths of freshwater," said Thom Demas, the Aquarium's curator of fishes. "And, for the first time anywhere, people will have an opportunity to see a global collection of these giants in a single display."

Giant pangassius catfish, that can reach lengths of more than nine feet in the wild, will be joined by a seven foot beluga sturgeon, impressive Australian whiprays, beefy barramundi and a menagerie of other freshwater creatures from around the world. Demas says some species like marbled eels, ghostly-white alligator gar and wallago will add a bit of the weird to this collection of monster fish.

www.wrcbtv.com/story/17364223/aquarium-to-open-new-exhibit-on-endangered

[Warkitty]

I might have to try making that. I've enjoyed Dr. Hogan's River Monsters a few times on Nat Geo, and with him coming as a special guest it's all the cooler.

[Gary]

And if they need a steady supply of giant fish, there's always Lake Winnie...

[rstewart]

There are plenty of "Monsters" swimming in the TN river. A few years ago while fishing out of the River Park I caught a MONSTER Paddlefish. I bet it was 6 ft long. This was just below Quaker Oaks.

[TNBear]

I'd go see it.

[Tookie]

I haven't been to the Aquarium in several years now. Looks like a good time to go visit again.

[Bob]

heard today two of the monster cats died over the weekend.

I know its bad but I do wonder if the 800lb fish float upside down at the surface like little fish..

[JC]

I know its bad but I do wonder if the 800lb fish float upside down at the surface like little fish..

Wonder if they flush them like they do with little fish?

[Bob]

Apr 17, 2012 0:03:09 GMT -5 JC said:

Wonder if they flush them like they do with little fish?

from what I heard, they did autopsy on them to determine how they died.

[Justin Thyme]

Apr 17, 2012 6:40:45 GMT -5 Bob said:

Apr 17, 2012 0:03:09 GMT -5 JC said:

Wonder if they flush them like they do with little fish?

from what I heard, they did autopsy on them to determine how they died.

I heard some speculation that the deaths may have been gang related.

[Ares]

What is a paddlefish?

[Justin Thyme]

It's a fish with a long flat snout.

[rstewart]

Some call them Shovel Bill Catfish

[Sherry]

It was two of the beluga sturgeons, Bob. So sad...Horace was one of my favorites.