The giant featherback was last collected in 1851. It was officially declared extinct in 2020. Then in 2023, it was rediscovered in Java, Indonesia. This rediscovery was able to determine the three distinct species of Chitala. The Chitala lopis, Chitala borneensis, and Chitala hypselonotus, which are still listed as “least concern” even though Chitala lopis hadn’t been seen in 172 years and Chitala borneensis was last seen in 2015. These three fish known as belida have been used in traditional such as Empek-empek and Kerupuk. The leather from these large fish has also been used for wallet and other goods. In recent years the belida has been replaced with mackerel because of the limited supply of belida. Overfishing, population growth, and water pollution have contributed to the decline of the giant featherback and its close knifefish relatives. Although Jurassic Park is fiction, scientists are working on several de-extinction projects. Since the giant featherback has been rediscovered, it doesn’t need a de-extinction project, but it does need protection and further study. Scientists can determine its current range, population fragmentation, and any genetic bottleneck that may have occurred since it was last seen over 170 years ago. Genetic research can be used to help sustain a healthy giant featherback population. The population of Java is 145 million with 10.5 million living in Jakarta. The waters off the coast of Java are still at risk of being overfished and the habitat is still highly at risk. Although there are some conservation efforts in the area, the effect of human development continues to be a major concern. The Javan tiger was rediscovered in March of 2024 sparking renewed conservation efforts on land. Hopefully, new regulations can find a good balance between feeding a growing population and protecting Java’s unique wildlife on the land and in the water. Can the giant featherback continue to hold on in its native homeland in Indonesia?