In the heart of the Valley of Springs, at the foot of Mount Gilboa, lies one of the most wondrous and unique natural sites in Israel – the Sachna Spring. Many visitors only see its clear, pleasant waters, but beneath the surface – literally – lie secrets, rare natural processes, and an underwater world unparalleled in Israel.
A cozy winter corner – and a scent of mystery
The Sachna spring flows from groundwater originating in Gilboa, at a constant temperature of 28 degrees throughout the year. This phenomenon makes the place ideal for bathing even on cold winter days. In the morning, when cold air rests on the surface of the warm water, light steam rises from the spring – a truly surreal spectacle. But don’t let the beauty fool you – in the cold air, the water is pleasant and inviting.
Fish escape, fish invade – and paradise is created
Over the years of working dives in the spring, I discovered an unusual phenomenon: a slow but ongoing invasion of ornamental fish into the spring, which began as a result of its proximity to nearby kibbutzim that were engaged in fish farming. These fish escaped from reservoirs and slowly settled into the local ecosystem.
Over the years, a spectacularly beautiful population of tropical fish has developed, turning the spring into a kind of natural aquarium – reminiscent of the waters of Lake Tanganyika in Africa or the luxury aquariums of fish enthusiasts around the world.
Is this a positive phenomenon?
As a naturalist, I usually have a negative opinion of invasive species. But here, at least for now, a surprising balance has been created. There is competition between the native fish and the invaders, but also a certain harmony – and the spring has become a living, colorful, and moving work of art.
Competition, hybridization, and rare sightings
Among the fish, species that appear to be hybrids of different fish are sometimes seen – spotted, colorful and strange. The nooks, bushes and geological formations of the spring serve as shelter for young fish and nesting areas. Here, below the surface of the water, a war for survival is waged between species – but one in which beauty, not violence, prevails.
This golden carp is probably a hybrid of a koi carp. I saw this color for the first time this year in the mill.
Hidden caves, surprising oxygen and the tickling of fish
One of the highlights of diving in the spring is the Nevia Cave – a large cave with a jagged ceiling from thousands of years of erosion, and containing active stalactites, green ferns and fossilized roots. Water is sometimes channeled through artificial channels – an action that is ostensibly perceived as a disturbance to nature – but has actually contributed to mixing the water, introducing oxygen, and the catfish thriving. Oxygen dissolves better in cold water, and the temperature differences contribute to this.
Pleasant tickling of a round fish
And if anyone is afraid of aggressive fish, it's worth knowing: here, unlike in the Mediterranean Sea, where painful bites from spruce fish have been reported, the local fish are actually "caressing." Argus fish, for example, "clean" the skin in a way that causes a pleasant, non-disturbing tickle.
Catfish, koi, and minnows among the raspberry bushes
In hidden corners along the stream, sometimes without travelers noticing, live spectacular catfish alongside large pangasius. Koi fish, which have also joined the "array", stir up the bottom and make underwater photography difficult. Therefore, it is recommended to photograph in the early morning hours and on quieter days.
Remember: the place is a nature reserve – and fishing is strictly prohibited!
In conclusion
The Sachna Spring is much more than a bathing site. It is a dynamic, almost secret natural site, where rare geological processes meet with a living, breathing underwater world. The intrusion of alien species has created a complex but spectacular phenomenon – and the spring continues to surprise with every new dive. A place that is both a nature reserve, a living laboratory, and a small paradise of color and tranquility in the heart of nature.
Really cool! Full of information, thank you very much.
Dear Moti, an amazing article with spectacular photographs! It's really fascinating to see the tilapia, catfish and roundfish in real photography! The colors are also so vibrant and they look fascinating creatures. The sea is absolutely a magical and wonderful place! Thank you for writing articles like this! Well done!
Amazing, Moti, thanks for sharing.
Is it possible to fish there?
This is not a nature reserve.
hi my father
Fishing is prohibited there only when leaving the complex.
Thank you for the knowledge you have given me. I always enjoy reading your articles. I am already waiting for the next article.
Fun article, spectacular photos, marine nature at its best… Along with this, an important note: Nature should be privatized and private entities allowed to manage the precious property of nature in Israel. In the current situation, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (the Nature and Parks Authority, which has become the Nature and Parks Stealing Authority) is taking over nature in Israel and stealing it from the public – appropriating it for itself under the definition of a “nature reserve” and “national park,” and then commercializing nature and trading in it. We must take the commercialization out of the hands of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority – let them deal with nature conservation and not with the exploitation and commercialization of nature, because there is a conflict of interest here.
A fun class, spectacular photos, marine nature at its best… Along with this, an important note: Nature should be privatized and private entities allowed to manage the precious property of nature in Israel. In the current situation, the Nature and Parks Authority (the Nature and Parks Authority, which has become the Nature and Parks Stealing Authority) is taking over nature in Israel and stealing it from the public – appropriating it for itself under the definition of a “nature reserve” and “national park,” and then commercializing nature and trading in it. We must take the commercialization out of the hands of the Nature and Parks Authority – let them deal with nature conservation and not with the exploitation and commercialization of nature, because there is a conflict of interest here.
Later in the Kibbutzim Stream, my son and I also spotted the fish known as the sailfish.
In the large cave on the east side, I saw a giant carp that controlled the territory in the cave.
Hello Elisha, big carp or colorful wind?
The ornamental fish have no way to reach the spring naturally. They are released in a strainer.
Hello Liora.
You're right, people threw them away with good but wrong intentions.
Nature always balances.
Shabbat Shalom
Pelicans eat fish in the ponds of the kibbutzim, and when they fly, fish fall out of their mouths. This is a very common phenomenon.
It makes sense because how can they move over land from fish ponds to crushing ponds?
Well, I thought I'd finally get into the article to wash my eyes a little with men with muscular bodies and square butts. And all we got was fish.
Yaeli, my dear,
We are also in favor of an enriching culture…
Thanks to Moti,
that brings the beauty in photographs and information,
Moti will try in the next article…
exciting.
Hopefully, the place is secret, so that the person will not cause damage like in other places.
Hello Aliza
The place is preserved and protected, it is a national park.