THE CARIBBEAN AREA — COLOIBIA 



The south equatorial current does not affect greatly the coast of Colombia. From 

 off Cabo La Vela the great body of the current runs about due west and diminishes in 

 velocity as it spreads over a greater area. At Cabo La Vela the main axis is about 65 

 miles offshore. On encountering the influence of the Magdalena River, the stream is 

 sometimes diverted to the northeast. This may also be due in part to a countercurrent 

 which continues along the coast from Cartagena to the Rio Magdsilena and beyond, at a 

 velocity of one-half to one knot. The countercurrent runs about 30 miles offshore. 



Westward of the Rio Magdalena a part of the main stream is deflected southward into 

 the Golfo del Darienj between this branch and the shore is the countercurrent. 



No studies have been made of the nutrient salts available in the waters of the coast 

 of Colombia but there must be considerable supplies because of the large outwash from the 

 land. 



Species and Distribution 



The fish fauna of the Atlantic coast of Colombia is typically ^,\'est Indian. Comparative- 

 ly few species are taken commercially and the majority of these are of the type which spend 

 part of their lives in brackish water. Probably the bulk of fish consumed in Colombia are 

 river fish. 



In the region from Ancon de Cinto to the north coast of Riohacha the following species 

 are most predcBiinant in the catches: (See pages l^i - 17 for scientific names.) 



A List of Colombian Fish with Their Biglish Equivalents 



Lisa and Lebranche 



Pargo 



Pampano 



Mero 



Roncador 



Jurel 



Robalo 



Sierra 



Macabi 



Carite 



Picua 



Tiburon and Cazon 



Sardina 



Lamparosa 



Sabalo 



Mullet 



Red Snapper 



PcB55ano 



Grouper 



Grunt 



Jack 



Snook 



Kingfish 



Bonefish 



Spanish Mackerel 



Darracuda 



Sharks 



Sardines 



Carangjidae 



Tarpon 



According to reports, mullet, pompano, grunts, snook, jacks, and bonefish are caught 

 by haulseines on the beaches. These are taken throughout the year. The red snapper, 

 grouper, and shark are taken I5 to 30 miles offshore with hook and line and are caught 



90 



