234 FIELD MUSEUM or NATURAL HISTORY ZOOLOGY, VOL. X. 



FOOD FISHES OP PANAMA. 



The most important food fishes of the fresh waters of Panama are 

 the characins belonging to the genus Brycon. These fishes reach a 

 larger size than any of the other fresh water species. They are of good 

 flavor, but the flesh is penetrated by numerous small bones. This fish 

 is used both in the fresh and smoked state. The species of the genus 

 Hoplias reach a rather large size and are of some value as food but are 

 considered of inferior flavor. The catfish, Rhamdia wagneri, is every- 

 where considered a good food fish. In the Darien region the Indians 

 quietly wade around in the creeks to seek out their hiding places and 

 take them with a spear. A few of the Loricariidce are also used as 

 food to a limited extent. 



The fresh water species of the family Mugilidce are food fishes of 

 some value. The largest species, Joturus pichardi, occurring only at 

 the base of waterfalls, reaches a length of about two feet. It takes 

 the hook quite readily and is considered the best game fish of the 

 streams of Panama. The members of the family Cichlidas, are used to 

 some extent, but are of relatively little importance, their size seldom 

 exceeding a length of 12 inches. A few species of Gobi-idce, those of the 

 genera Philypnus and Guavina, are sometimes eaten, but are of little 

 importance. 



There is little fishing carried on on the rivers of Panama, yet in the 

 more thickly populated regions the larger species are comparatively 

 rare, while in the unsettled regions they are rather abundant. Little 

 or nothing has of course been done to protect the fisheries. The natives 

 have learned the use of dynamite in killing fishes, and this distinctive 

 method probably, to a large measure, accounts for the diminished supply 

 in the populated regions. 



NOTES OF EXPLANATION. 



The plan that has been followed is to give the name of each species, 

 the name of the original describer, and a brief synonomy. The synon- 

 omy includes all the names that have become synonyms, together with 

 references to literature of local interest, and often a reference to a general 

 work is given. Then follows a diagnostic description; then a brief 

 statement of the size and number of specimens at hand, where taken, 

 and what, if anything, is known of the habits, food, etc., and finally 

 in a very brief statement the range of distribution is given. 



The proportions given in the text for the different species are based 

 upon measurements accurately made with calipers and slide rule. 



