
five meters wide, grow in water less than approximately two meters in depth. The bottom near 
shore consists of mud and silt, with small quantities of gravel and sand. 
The lake was examined April 1, 1947. At 8:00 a.m., the air was 23 degrees Centi- 
grade; the surface water, 22 degrees. Tests showed no phenolphthalein alkalinity, and 21 
parts per million of methyl orange alkalinity. Depths were not determined, as a boat was 
available. Seine collections indicated an abundance of pupos (Mollienisia and Profundulus). 
A few small carp (Cyprinus carpio) also occurred in the seine hauls. They were not abundant, 
and few large carp are caught by hook-and-line fishing, according to information obtained 
locally. 
In order to provide food fishes, it may prove desirable to introduce the crappie 
(Pomoxis nigro-maculatus), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmondes) and ee adit 
Cichlasoma motaguense). The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is not recommended, be- 
cause of the small size and swampy character of the lake, and the lack of satisfactory 
gravel bottoms for spawning purposes. 
Lago Moca 
This artificial lake covers about three hectares, and is located on the Finca 
Moca, east of Mazatenango, at an altitude of approximately 915 meters. The lake is in an 
area of heavy rainfall on the Pacific slope south of Lake Atitldh, and is supplied with 
water through a control gate from the Moca River. The lake becomes murky with silt at 
times during the rainy season; but apparently this does not markedly affect the heavy 
growth of phytoplankton, which is present throughout the year. Growths of Potamogeton, 
and to a lesser extent Nymphaea, occur in the shallow areas. 
Lago Moca was examined at 2:00 p.m., March 22, 1947. The air temperature was 20 
degrees Centigrade; the surface and bottom waters at six meters were 23.3. The phenol- 
phthalein alkalinity was 12.5 parts per million; methyl orange alkalinity, 67.0. From the 
several soundings made, it is believed that approximately six meters is the maximum depth. 
The following fishes were taken by seining: pepesca (Astyanax), pescadito (Poecilistes), 
gulumina (Profundulus), and a mojarra (Cichlasoma). The latter species was established in 
the lake by the introduction of five individuals carried there from a nearby lowland stream 
in 1914. It is abundant, but is little utilized because of its aversion to taking a hook. 
For the development of sport fishing, smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomeiu) 
would be a desirable species. If additional food fishes are required, the crappie (Pomoxis 
nigro-maculatus) could be introduced. In that event, it would be advisable to plant the 
largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in order to prevent the crappie from becoming too 
abundant to obtain normal growth and size. In lakes of this character, it is not likely 
that the smallmouth bass would prevent the crappie from becoming too abundant. 
Lago San Cristobal 
This lake has an area of about 150 hectares, and is located at the edge of the 
town of San Cristobal, southwest of Coban, at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters. 
Little fluctuation in water level occurs seasonally. The swampy shore line has a margin of 
tules (Typha and Scirpus) averaging about four meters in width. The tules are present to 
depths of about two meters. Potamogeton and Chara usually occur in parts of the lake 
which are less than three meters deep, The lake bottom consists of mud, which in most 
areas near the shore is one or more meters in depth. In the middle of the lake, the mud is 
only a few centimeters in depth. 
| At 9:30 a.m., May 7, 1947, the air was 24 degrees Centigrade; the surface water, 
19 degrees; and at 18 meters (bottom), 20 degrees. The phenolphthalein alkalinity was 8 
parts per million; and the methyl orange alkalinity, 148. Oxygen‘samples showed 5.5 parts 
per million at 1 meter, 5.2 at 5 meters, and 4.6 at 18 meters. The carbon dioxide samples 
showed a trace at 1 meter, 26.5 parts per million at 10 meters, and.29 at 18 meters. The 
Secchi disk (20 centimeters in diameter) disappeared at 165 centimeters. The turbidity 
resulted from the large numbers of phytoplankton organisms. 
The following fishes were collected with seines and gill nets; the pepesca 
(Astyanax), the mojarra (Cichlasoma irregulars), and the carpas (Cyprinus carpio and 
Carassius auratus). The latter two species were not numerous. 
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