A rare fish was found in the depths of the Algerian desert

2024-07-17 2024-07-17T09:53:38Z

Weather of Arabia - The Algerian ecological researcher and photographer, Redouane Taheri, found the endangered fish “Aphanius saurensis” and documented it in various pictures, in an important discovery. What is the story of this unique discovery?

The Avanius saurensis fish inhabits the Saoura Valley in Béchar, southwest of Algeria. It is a freshwater fish. Finding it is considered an “important discovery” given that it is threatened with extinction, and its appearance restores hope for the future of some marine species. It is necessary to conduct scientific research to preserve their presence and protect them from extinction.

A fish in the depths of the desert

Radwan Taheri, a producer of documentaries about desert wildlife, said, “Finding and photographing this rare fish did not come out of nowhere, but rather is the result of research that lasted more than ten years, as the last time it was seen was in 2003. A German researcher had come to... "It was not found in the area, and therefore it was included in the Red List of Threatened Aquatic Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature."

Taheri told the media the story of his search for the “Aphanius saurensis” fish that inhabited Wadi Al-Saoura in Bashar. It is a unique species in the world. Armed with determination as a researcher interested in desert biodiversity, he confirmed that he “moved to many oases and valleys in the depths of the desert in search of it.” He reached his lens to the groundwater and ancient subterranean waters in the southwest.

The dream turned into reality

Taheri continued:

“But recently, on one of my trips into the depths of the desert, after going 30 kilometers, I was surprised by a scene that gave me hope and I saw a valley in the middle of the sand surrounded by greenery, and here I dreamed of finding this fish, especially since the valley contained algae, which indicates that there is no It is still alive, and may contain aquatic creatures. I approached it and found traces of passing deer, and from here I continued on my way until I spotted this beautiful fish with its blue and yellow colors and half of its golden head. It is known that the male and female live together.”

Taheri, who brought the Avanius saurensis fish back to the forefront, expressed his hope that it would be returned to its original habitat, Wadi Saoura, which is considered one of the most important watercourses in the southwestern region of Algeria.