Diyarbakır’da doğal akvaryum, Üç balık türü bir arada

Located on the slopes of the extinct volcano Karacadağ in Diyarbakır, a water source of approximately 2 square meters, home to three species of fish, is attracting visitors. The 120-kilometer-long basalt plateau, formed by lava erupting from Karacadağ, an extinct volcano at an altitude of 1957 meters and located on the border of Diyarbakır, Mardin, and Şanlıurfa, is a habitat for many species. The plateau offers nature enthusiasts a unique hiking experience with its natural beauty and refreshing natural spring waters. Located on the plateau in the rural Leblebitaş neighborhood of Diyarbakır's Çınar district, a water source of approximately 2 square meters, surrounded by rocks, is located. Academics have identified the yellowfin tuna, chub, and goby fish living in the "natural aquarium," fed by spring water from Karacadağ. The water source, home to three species of fish, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors passing through the Karacadağ region. "Underwater photography is a whole different world." Visitor Aydın Karaboğa said they drink water from the spring as they pass by, and that the visitors don't harm the fish. "We use this road all the time. The water in this lake is beautiful. It's spring water, so you can drink it. In the summer, the water is ice cold. These fish are always this size," Karaboğa said, adding that they want the lake's surroundings to be kept clean. Nature photographer Murat İçer explained that he regularly visits the area and, while taking photos in nature, he comes across this area where the fish live. İçer explained that he shared the fish photos on social media, which increased visitor interest in the area. He added: "The fish here are all the same size; they don't grow, but there are small fish too. This lake, which looks like a natural aquarium, is a whole different world when photographed underwater. The water is so clear that we can get very clear images. People using the Diyarbakır-Şanlıurfa road take breaks, rest, and get their water needs, but unfortunately, there is also environmental pollution here. We ask that people use this area to keep it clean." "These areas need to be protected and kept very clean." Prof. Dr. Ali Satar, Head of the Zoology Department in the Biology Department of the Faculty of Science at Dicle University (DU), stated that the Karacadağ region is home to various endemic species, as well as species unique to the region. "There are many different plant and animal species on the slopes of Karacadağ. There are some animal species that only live here in the world. This place needs to be developed for ecotourism; we need to protect these creatures," Satar said, adding that the fish spotted were fish species that live in very clean waters. Satar said, "This is an unpolluted area. It needs to be highlighted, and this area needs to be protected and kept very clean." "Species living in the Tigris River system have migrated." Dr. Tarık Çiçek, a faculty member in the Biology Department of the Faculty of Science at DU, also stated that they had identified three fish species living in the water, which resembles a natural aquarium. Çiçek explained that the water where the fish are found has a connection to the Tigris River, saying: "It appears to be a place where the Tigris River meets, and species such as 'yellowfish,' 'chubs,' and 'rockfish' live. Species living within the Tigris River system have migrated to this spring or source via streams and rivers over time, and they live here. This area is important for fish reproduction and the growth of fry."