Over the last decade the distribution of Aphanius fasciatus Nardo has regressed
sharply across the Maltese Islands despite numerous legal conservation instruments. In
this study we present the results of a one-year phenological study at the protected
wetland site known as Il-Maghluq. The A. fasciatus population structure and a number
of water physical characteristics were monitored. The biotic data collected was found to
be consistent with that of a highly vulnerable population. The authors make a number of
management recommendations to improve the conservation status of this population.peer-reviewe
