
To develop the resources of the lake, the introduction of the chumbinmba 
(Cichlasoma maculicauda) from Lago Izabal, and the guapote (Cichlasoma motaguense) from 
Laguna de Amatitl&n are recommended. About two to three years or longer after these intro- 
ductions, the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) should be introduced, provided that 
this species is successful and desirable in Lago Atitlin. Its predacious feeding habits 
would be impartant in preventing the mojarras from becoming too numerous. With the intro- 
duction of bass into Lago Ayarza, the number of cangrejos (crabs) probably will be reduced, 
However, on the basis of observations in some of the Pacific coastal lagoons, where 
anadromous fishes with predatory feeding habits occur, it is believed that the cangre jos 
will continue to provide as mich meat as is now being taken in this form. The addition of 
fishes to the fauna will increase the usable aquatic resources many times, as the cangrejo 
is the only form taken for food at the present time. 
Laguna de Atescatempa 
Laguna de Atescatempa is located along the Pan-American Highway about two kilo- 
meters west of the international boundary of Guatemala and E1 Salvador ’ at an altitude of 
854 meters. It has no visible outlet. 
When examined March 14, 1946, the lake covered an area of about 280 hectares. A 
year later on April 14, the lake was only about one-half as large, and the water level was 
about one meter lower. Usually the water level fluctuates about one meter between the dry 
and rainy seasons. The presence of dead camalote bushes (Acacia—like plants) at a depth 
of one meter indicated that the water level had been much.lower for a period of years prior 
to 1946. The local people claim that they have known the lake to become so low that only 
two small water areas remained. For a period of many years prior to 1947, the lake 
apparently had remained at a rather constant level, with only the normal seasonal fluctua— 
tions. 
On March 14, 1946, at 11:00 a.m., the air was 27.4 degrees Centigrade; the 
surface water, 28.3 degrees; at one meter in depth, 27.2 degrees; and at four meters 
(bottom), 23.3 degrees; phenolphthalein alkalinity, none; and methyl orange alkalinity, 
119 parts per million. 
On April 15, 1947, at 8:30 a.m., the air was 27.7 degrees Centigrade; the 
surface and bottom waters (at four meters), 27.2 degrees; phenolphthalein alkalinity, 37.5 
parts per million; and methyl orange alkalinity, 40.5. Oxygen samples taken at 11:00 a.n., 
March 14, 1946, showed 5.4 parts per million at one meter, 4.2 at three meters, and 2.2 at 
four meters. No significant differences appeared in the 1947 tests. Unfortunately, no 
tests were made prior to sunrise for comparison with those later in the morning. Since the 
lake had an extremely heavy population of unicellular algae, tests before and after sunrise 
might have confirmed the assumption that rapid changes in carbon dioxide and oxygen levels 
were the cause of the fish mortality there on April 3, 1947. Since most of the loss — 
occurred among the larger fish, it is believed that the weakened condition of spawning fish 
increased the mortality. 
The fish fauna of the lake consisted of pepesca (Astyanax), plateado or sardina 
(Roeboides), bute (Mollienisia and Poecilistes), serica (Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum), 
anguila (Synbranchus), mojarra (C. trimaculatum), and one unidentified species of mojarra 
with black and white bands.. Seven individuals of C. trimaculatum ranged from 103 to 221 
millimeters in total length, and averaged 152. Forty-seven of the black and white banded 
mojarras ranged from 140 to 280 millimeters in total length, with an average of 206. These 
fish represented the total catch from two hours fishing with two cast nets. The principal, 
method of fishing here is with cast nets or attarrays, as these species of mojarras do not 
readily take a hook. The quantity of fish taken in gill nets and in seines suggested 
rather poor utilization of the fishery resources in the lake. It is believed that the 
fishery resources would be used more fully if efficient fishing gear were permitted. For 
adequate utilization, it is believed that cast nets and hook-and-line fishing should be 
permitted throughout the year. 
For further development of the fishery resources, it may prove desirable later 
to introduce the black crappie (Pomoxis nigro-maculatus), the channel catfish (Ictalurus 
lacustris punctatus), and the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). 
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