The Sea of Galilee, also known as Lake Kinneret or Lake Tiberias, is a freshwater lake nestled in the Jordan Rift Valley in northern Israel. It holds the distinction of being the lowest freshwater lake on Earth, with its surface fluctuating between 209 and 215 meters (686-705 feet) below sea level, depending on rainfall. This body of water, 21 kilometers (13 miles) long and 13 kilometers (8 miles) wide, is a vital water source for Israel. Beyond its geographical importance, the lake and its surroundings are intertwined with historical and religious narratives.
The Sea of Galilee’s Main Fish Species
The Sea of Galilee is home to 27 fish species, 19 native. Ten species are commercially fished. The most prominent fish is the tilapia, often called “St. Peter’s Fish.”
Several tilapia species inhabit the Sea of Galilee, including the Galilean tilapia (Sarotherodon galilaeus), the blue tilapia (Oreochromis aureus), and the redbelly tilapia (Tilapia zillii). The Galilean tilapia is commercially important, known for its comb-like dorsal fin, giving it the Arabic name “musht” (meaning “comb”). These fish can grow to 45 cm (18 inches) and weigh 2 kg (4.5 pounds).
Another group of fish are the “biny” or barbels, belonging to the carp family. The two common species are Barbus longiceps and Barbus canis. These barbels have distinctive barbels at the corners of their mouths, reflected in their name “biny” (meaning “hair”). They are larger fish, with the longheaded barbel reaching up to 75 cm (30 inches) and 7 kg (15 pounds).
The Kinneret sardine (Mirogrex terraesanctae or Acanthobrama terraesanctae) is an endemic species resembling a small herring. It has been commercially important since ancient times, often preserved by pickling. The North African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) is also present. These bottom-dwelling fish can grow large, but are not considered kosher due to their lack of scales.
The Lake’s Supporting Environment
The Jordan River, flowing from north to south, is the primary inflow of fresh water into the lake. This continuous flow, along with contributions from underground springs, helps maintain the lake’s freshwater characteristics.
The lake exhibits thermal stratification seasonally, typically from May to November. Its maximum depth is 43 meters (141 feet), with an average depth of 25.6 meters (84 feet), providing diverse habitats for various fish species. The warm waters support flora and fauna, including phytoplankton and zooplankton, as fish food sources. Silver carp were introduced to help control algae growth.
Cultural and Historical Significance of the Fish
Fish from the Sea of Galilee hold cultural and historical significance, with religious narratives. The region’s history, particularly its New Testament connection, references fish and fishing. Many of Jesus’s disciples were fishermen, and his ministries and miracles involved fish.
The most famous example is the naming of tilapia as “St. Peter’s Fish.” This name comes from the biblical account in Matthew 17:27, where Jesus instructs Peter to catch a fish with a coin to pay the temple tax. Tradition identifies this with tilapia due to its prevalence in the lake and its mouth-brooding behavior. The miracle of feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish is also associated with tilapia.
Beyond religious connections, fishing has historically been important around the Sea of Galilee for millennia. In ancient times, towns like Magdala were known for their fish processing industries, drying, salting, pickling fish for export throughout the Roman Empire. Today, “St. Peter’s Fish” remains a popular dish served in restaurants, attracting tourists.