While pollution has eliminated many fish species, Dong Nai Museum is showing over 1,000 fish on the brink of extinction to raise people's awareness of the need for improved environmental protection.
One of the exhibits
The collection project was started from 2006 with help from Dong Nai Province's Department of Exploitation and Protection of Aquatic Resources. Dong Nai is the first province to have this type of collection and has collected over 1,000 fishes that belong to 84 species.
Nguyen Thi Tuyet Hong, Deputy Head of Dong Nai Museum said, "All of the fish here lived in our province. They thrived in the local rivers and lakes but their numbers have dwindled over the years and face extinction."
Dead fish on the brink of extinction will be displayed.
The museum has collected many endangered species such as Remora Spearfish or Suckermouthed Catfish. Some rare and expensive fish are also on display.
"Many people were surprised to see the fish. They said they didn't know there are so many strange fish in the region." an employee in the museum said.
The museum collection features over 1,000 endangered fish
The museum also provided profiles for each of the species, including details about their living conditions and how to raise them.
Luu Van Du, Head of the museum said it was important to let people see and know more about local aquatic species as well as raise public awareness about environmental protection. He said they would continue to expand their collection.