The Inci Kefali (Alburnus Tarichi), or Pearl Mullet in English, is a species of cyprinid fish (related to carps and minnows) that is endemic to the Lake Van in Eastern Turkey. This means it's found naturally nowhere else in the world and plays a crucial role in the lake's unique ecosystem. The fish is renowned for its unique adaptation to the extreme conditions of Lake Van and its incredible upstream freshwater migration for reproduction.
Lake Van is one of the world's largest endorheic (having no outlet) and alkaline/soda lakes. Its water is highly alkaline (pH around 9.8) and salty, making it uninhabitable for most freshwater or saltwater fish. The Inci Kefali is famously the only known fish species capable of surviving in these challenging conditions. Living in the alkaline lake, the Inci Kefali cannot reproduce there because the water chemistry is unsuitable for its eggs and larvae. Therefore, during the spawning season (typically late Spring to early Summer - April to July), the fish undertake an incredible upstream migration. This journey is arduous, requiring them to swim against strong currents and even leap over small obstacles and waterfalls, much like salmon. They travel miles upstream to find suitable gravel beds to lay and fertilize their eggs. Once in the freshwater streams, they spawn. After spawning, the adult fish return to the alkaline waters of Lake Van. The hatched fry spend some time in the freshwater before migrating down to the lake themselves.
The Inci Kefali fishery has historically been an important source of livelihood for local communities around Lake Van. It's often consumed locally, traditionally salted or dried due to the short fishing season.
Today, the fish faces several threats such as pollution, illegal fishing especially during the vulnerable migration and spawning period, and climate change. Conservation efforts include enforcing fishing bans during spawning season, monitoring populations, working to maintain clear migration paths, and raising public awareness.