
such catches would be in nearby inland towns where 
only a few hundred pounds of fresh fish 
are needed weekly. In conjunction with the sale of fresh fish it would be expedient to salt 
mga anaes Such as the bagre (catfish) in order to hold them for the higher prices of 
me uN yeah, areas in the brackish and fresh waters of the coastal area is not consid- 
he Other - ‘ obalo (Centropoms) is regarded as the only game fish in the fresh 
waters. Species, principally the mojarras, are taken by hook-and-Line fishing, but 
neither of these two groups of fishes take a hook well. The introduction of the largemouth 
bass (Micropterus salmoides) should add much to the sport fishing in the streams and lakes 
of this area. For a good quality food fish that will take a hook readily and add to the 
quantity and quality of commercial fishing in the fresh water lagoons, the crappie (Pomoxis 
nigro-maculatus) is indicated. It is believed that they would become acclimated to 
slightly brackish conditions as they have in certain waters in the United States. ‘The 
abundance of food for these species in the fresh waters of the Pacific coastal lagoons 
should permit their development in large numbers. Definite recommendations for their intro~ 
duction are withheld pending successful establishment in other waters. 
Lakes and Streams of Petén 

The Department of Petén has several large lakes and many miles of large rivers. 
This De ment was not visited, but some data are available from the publication "Mollusca 
of Peten and North Alta Vera Paz, Guatemala," by Goodrich and van der Schalie (1937). The 
data are summarized here in order that they may be more available if desired. 
That Lake Petén varies considerably in water level is indicated by the "drowned" 
trees standing’ in three meters of water in 1935, and the presence of shells, identical to 
present forms, 9 to 12 meters above the 1935 water level. ‘The lake has a steep north shore, 
and a gentle sloping south shore. The maximum depth in 1935 was 45 meters. The dissolved 
oxygen in the surface waters was 13.73 parts per million at a temperature of 25 degrees 
Centrigrade. The methyl orange alkalinity was 80 to 90 parts per million. 
‘Laguna de Eckixil had a methyl orange alkalinity of 110 parts per million, and 
8 parts per million of dissolved oxygen at 27 degrees Centigrade. 
Laguna Perdida had a methyl orange alkalinity of 93 parts per million. 
Rio San Pedro at El Paso de los Caballos was deep, sluggish, and lake-like. Its 
methyl orange alkalinity was 215 parts per million. 
Rfo de la Pasion had a methyl orange alkalinity of 163 parts per million. 
The present writer had an opportunity to cross Peten three times by plane when 
observations could be made. Plans to make studies of the waters in this area did not 
materialize because of the impossibility of obtaining plane passage at the times required 
to fit our work schedule, 
The Department of Petén is underlaid with limestone, and there are many aguadas 
or limestone sinks. The limestone outcrops are probably of Cretaceous age. Local areas of 
savannah and large areas of tropical forest exist. 
No recommendations for developing the fishing resources of Peten are made at this 
time. It is believed advisable to wait until a thorough study can be made of each major 
drainage, 
Ss of Sto Recommendations | 
Three species of fishes native to waters of the United States are recommended for 
introduction into Guatemalan waters on a trial basis. These trial introductions involve 
the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) and the black crappie (Pomaxis nigro-maculatus) 
for Lago Atitl&n, and the channel. catfish (Ictalurus lacustris punctatus) for the Rio 
Motagua. 
117 
