April, 1908. Lakes Amatitlan and Atitlan — Meek. 



177 



In order that fishes should exist in at least fairly large numbers, 

 they should not be disturbed during the breeding season. The supply 

 of fishes in Lake Amatitlan is much reduced in numbers by over fishing 

 during the breeding season. Especially is this true of the Mojarras, 

 This fish deposits its eggs in nests made by it in the sand at the base 

 of the Tules. When depositing their eggs, the fishes are very persistent 



Fishermen, Lake Amatitlan 



in remaining in shallow water along the shore, and so at that time they 

 are more easily caught. In catching them by the methods used by 

 the lake fishermen many of the nests are destroyed, and the chances 

 for increase are much reduced. During the breeding time of food 

 fishes a portion or all of their spawning grounds should be protected. 

 The fishes at the breeding time are not so good to eat as at other times 

 of the year. Another bad feature in the taking of Mojarras is the 

 capture of such a large number of small individuals. The smaller 



