In May and June of each year, the pearl mullet travels upstream through the lake’s tributaries to lay eggs, flying through the air like salmon.
Every year during their travel, the pearl mullets have to fight against seagulls that feed on migrating fish.
The pearl mullet is the unique species that can survive in the extreme ecosystem of Lake Van in the eastern Turkey.
Pearl mullet is a species of cyprinid fish, found only in Turkey, where it is the only fish known to inhabit Lake Van. It is endemic to the Lake Van basin.
Pearl mullet is the ‘jewel’ of Lake Van in Turkey. Found nowhere else in the world, this fish thrives in the lake’s salty and carbonated waters, which are inhospitable to other forms of fresh water and marine fish.
The fishing of pearl mullet is banned from April 15 to July 15. During this period, relevant institutions and security forces are taking precautions at the lakeside to ensure that the pearl mullet does not become the target of fishermen.
During its reproductive period, the fish migrates to freshwater streams around the lake, against the current, jumping like the salmons. (ILKHA)
