Rare Fish Caught Off Jisr az-Zarqa Sent to Tel Aviv University

A rare fish caught off the coast of Jisr az-Zarqa has sparked excitement among local fishermen and is now undergoing scientific examination at Tel Aviv University. Fisherman Nimer Jamil al-Mukhtar hauled in the unusual creature, prompting immediate interest from marine researchers due to its distinct features.

The initial assessment suggests the specimen belongs to the pompano group, scientifically known as Trachinotus, part of the Carangidae family of predatory marine fish. Dr. Bat-Sheva (Shabi) Rothman, curator of the fish collection and researcher at the Steinhardt Museum of Nature History at Tel Aviv University, confirmed that this marks the first time such fish have been documented in Israeli waters, with another similar specimen having been caught near Caesarea about two weeks ago.

Researchers are currently conducting genetic tests and morphological analyses to precisely identify the species and determine how the specimens reached the eastern Mediterranean. Experts note that while the Suez Canal is a primary pathway for non-native marine species entering the Mediterranean, the exact origin of these recent catches remains a mystery.

The discovery highlights the changing ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea, where approximately 450 fish species are documented off the Israeli coast, including about 120 non-native species. Marine biologists emphasize that continued monitoring will help determine whether these occurrences represent isolated visitors or the establishment of a new resident population.