In addition to the post below, see the post on this site, Sea of Galilee became Sea of Tiberias and Fishing.
From ChatGPT on 7/21/2025.
In Jesus’ time, several species of fish were prevalent in the Sea of Galilee, which was a major hub of fishing activity. Archaeological evidence, ancient texts, and modern ichthyological studies help identify which fish species were most commonly caught and consumed.
Prevalent Fish Varieties in the Sea of Galilee (1st Century CE)
1. Musht (Tilapia) – “St. Peter’s Fish”
- Scientific name: Tilapia galilea or Sarotherodon galilaeus
- Description: A common, large tilapia species, still eaten locally today.
- Relevance: Often identified with the fish Peter caught in Matthew 17:27. The name “St. Peter’s fish” is modern but reflects traditional associations with the apostle.
Source: Mendel Nun, The Sea of Galilee and Its Fishermen in the New Testament (1993), pp. 17–18; an authoritative account based on Nun’s experience as a fisherman and historian.
2. Kinneret Sardine (Galilean Sardine)
- Scientific name: Acanthobrama terraesanctae
- Description: Small sardine-like fish, caught in large quantities and often salted for preservation.
- Use in ancient times: These were often dried or salted and likely sold in nearby cities and villages.
Source: Mendel Nun, Ancient Jewish Fishing on the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem: Kinneret Sailing Company, 1989.
3. Catfish
- Scientific name: Clarias gariepinus
- Note: Although catfish were present in the lake, they were not kosher (lacking fins and scales) and thus not consumed by observant Jews.
- However, they were still part of the ecosystem and may have been caught by accident or used by non-Jews.
Source: Hershel Shanks, “Fishing the Sea of Galilee,” Biblical Archaeology Review 19:6 (1993), pp. 46–55.
4. Barbels
- Scientific names: Barbus longiceps and related species
- Description: Scale-bearing, kosher fish of moderate size. Caught using hooks, lines, and nets.
- Possible identification with some fish caught with a hook (see Matthew 17:27).
Source: James H. Charlesworth, Jesus and Archaeology (2006), pp. 542–545.
Fishing Practices
Fishing was done with:
- Seine nets
- Trammel nets
- Cast nets
- Hook and line
The Gospels reference nets (e.g., Matthew 4:18–20; Luke 5:1–11; John 21), which aligns with archaeological finds of net sinkers and boat remnants (like the “Jesus Boat” from the 1st century CE found near Kibbutz Ginosar).
Key Sources:
- Nun, Mendel. The Sea of Galilee and Its Fishermen in the New Testament (1993).
- Shanks, Hershel. “Fishing the Sea of Galilee.” Biblical Archaeology Review 19:6 (1993).
- Charlesworth, James H. Jesus and Archaeology. Eerdmans, 2006.
- Safrai, Shmuel. The Jewish People in the First Century (Volume 2). Van Gorcum, 1976.
