Acanthobrama centisquama
Overview
Acanthobrama centisquama, also known as the long-spine bream or Orontes bream, is a species of freshwater fish in the family Leuciscidae. It is known from Syria and Turkey, and there restricted to Lake Amik and al-Gab Lake. Lake Amik has been drained, and this species has not been found here since the early 20th century, and may be extinct. There may be remnant populations present in Gölbaşı Lake, which is impacted by pollution and water abstraction.
Acanthobrama centisquama faces severe threats from water extraction and dam construction that have dramatically reduced water levels in its native Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) system. Agricultural runoff and urban pollution have degraded water quality, while introduced fish species compete for resources and alter the lake's ecosystem dynamics. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to any environmental changes in this single water body.
Habitat
This endemic cyprinid fish inhabits the freshwater environment of Lake Tiberias (Sea of Galilee) in Israel, typically found in shallow coastal areas with rocky or sandy substrates. The species prefers areas with moderate vegetation cover and is adapted to the lake's specific water chemistry and temperature conditions.
