RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has documented the largest known mass migration of the Asir Garra fish in the Kingdom, in the Wadi Turabah basin in western Saudi Arabia.
The documentation enhances knowledge of the behavior of endemic freshwater fish species and supports efforts to protect their natural habitats and migration routes.
The migration was observed during routine freshwater field surveys conducted after the rainy season and at the start of the dry season. Visual observations and photographs recorded massive schools of fish moving collectively and in a synchronized manner toward the upper reaches of the wadi.
The fish were seen climbing wet rock faces near waterfalls, outside the main watercourse and within the spray zone, demonstrating a remarkable ability to avoid being swept away by strong currents.
The Asir Garra is a bottom-dwelling freshwater species endemic to the Kingdom. It is found in wadi systems originating in the Asir Highlands, including the Wadi Turabah, Wadi Ranyah and Wadi Bisha basins, covering an estimated 500 sq. km.
The species plays an important ecological role by regulating algal growth in wadis and rock pools, feeding on algae and organic matter attached to rocks.
The documentation contributes to understanding the ecology and behavior of this endemic species. It provides new insights into its movement patterns in mountain wadis and highlights the link between its distribution and ecological role in freshwater ecosystems.
