Lake Van pearl kefal juveniles return to habitat

Juvenile pearl kefal fish have begun returning to Lake Van after completing their initial growth stage in freshwater streams. This endemic species undergoes a difficult annual migration between April and July, swimming against currents to reach freshwater rivers to spawn.

Following the hatching process, the millions of young fish feed in riverbeds before gradually migrating back to the alkaline and salty waters of Lake Van. Associate Professor Mustafa Akkuş from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University noted that while illegal fishing and drought pose significant threats to the stock's continuity, high river flow rates and active protection by gendarmerie teams have supported this cycle.