Recorded in Marsa, Salina, Simar, and Ghadira during the March-August 2002 survey where the populations were observed to be large and thriving. It was not found in Kalafrana, St. Georges Bay, Marsaxlokk, Marsascala and Il-Qawra (Gozo) where it has been previously reported (Ref. 95709). Has been extirpated from a number of locations due to various anthropogenic pressures. Populations in the wetlands of Simar and Ghadira were again monitored during the May-October 2008 survey. Exposure to extreme abiotic conditions such as rapid increase in salinity, decrease in oxygen concentration, sharp increase in water temperatue and decrease in water depth poses threat to these populations during the peak of summer months. The following management measures were recommended to effectively conserve the two wetland populations: increase protective measures during the reproductive and recruitment periods through late March to May; start re-introduction programme at sites previously known to support Aphanius species with strict monitoring of the haplotypes of introduced individuals; and introduce water monitoring programme (Ref. 95698). Also Ref. 59043.