April, 1908. Lakes Amatitlan and Atitlan — Meek. 175 



and so fishes will grow larger in a given time there than in the United 

 States. In this respect there is a marked difference in the growth of 

 the Large-mouth Black Bass in the lakes of Wisconsin and of Florida. 

 The Large-mouth Black Bass spawns in the spring. It deposits its 

 eggs in shallow nests which it makes near the shore in shallow water. 

 Its habits in this respect are about the same as those of the Mojarra 

 found in Lake Amatitlan. 



Closely related to the Large-mouth Black Bass are the Rock Bass 

 (Ambloplites rupestris) , the Crappie (Pontoxis sparaides), and the Blue- 

 gill (Lepomis pallidus). These seldom exceed one or two pounds in 

 weight. They feed on small fishes and afford much pleasure in their 

 capture with hook and line. They are excellent food fishes. These 

 fishes could easily be introduced with the Large-mouth Black Bass. 



In the lakes of Nicaragua is a species of Mojarra known as Guapote 

 iCichlasoma managuense) . In shape and form it much resembles the 

 Large-mouth ♦Black Bass of the United States. It grows to a length 

 of 12 to 18 inches. This fish feeds upon smaller fishes. It is the best 

 flavored food fish found in the lakes in Nicaragua. It will live out of 

 water much longer than any of the fishes I have so far mentioned, 

 which fact will greatly assist in its introduction into other waters than 

 where found. Nothing is known of its spawning habits. Considering 

 the temperature of the water (83° F.) in which it lives, its flesh is 

 exceeding firm and well flavored. In the future stocking of tropical 

 lakes with fishes, I am sure the Guapote should, and no doubt will, 

 receive favorable consideration. In general, the fresh water fishes, 

 when taken from cold water, have firmer flesh and are better flavored 

 than those taken from warm water. In the northern lakes of the 

 United States the temperature is seldom warmer than 60° F. Lake 

 Amatitlan is io° F. warmer. Owing to the fact that its volume of 

 water is so great and its water so pure, it is probable that the Large- 

 mouth Black Bass would not, to any marked degree, lose its good food 

 qualities, and the Guapote would probably gain. There are several 

 species of Catfishes which could easily be introduced at the same time. 



The best fishes to introduce into Lake Amatitlan are the Large- 

 mouth Black Bass (Micropterus salmoides), the Rock Bass {Ambloplites 

 rupestris), the Crappie (Pomoxis sparoides), and the Bluegill {Lepomis 

 pallidus). The second best fish seems to be the Guapote {Cichlasoma 

 managuense) from the lakes of Nicaragua. The third choice would be 

 the Mojarra {Cichlasoma motaguense) from Lake Isabel and the 

 Montagua River. There could be no objection in introducing all of 

 these fishes at the same time. 



The habits of the Mojarras are not well-known, and their recom- 



