Collecting Rio Chepo-finally a target cichlid
- Thread starter duanes
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Around 80- 82'F in the dry season, dropping to around mid to low 70s F in the rainy season.
But a lot has to do with elevation.
A few years back where I stayed in the mountains, the streams were down right cold, into the 60sF.
At that point I was not able to determine what species were there.
A lagoon at higher elevation was filled with Tilapines, and carp, probably intentionally stocked.
But a lot has to do with elevation.
A few years back where I stayed in the mountains, the streams were down right cold, into the 60sF.
At that point I was not able to determine what species were there.
A lagoon at higher elevation was filled with Tilapines, and carp, probably intentionally stocked.
After the success of the trip 2 weeks ago, we decided to revisit that same river again, and in that 2 weeks of daily inundations of the rainy season, the current has increased greatly.
The same species of fish were caught, Darienheros cichlids, Chaetostoma plecos, a couple Sturostoma whiptail catfish, and many tetras (probably two dozen tetras per any one non-tetra), especially in the strongest currents.
Depths all species were caught, were only in knee deep water
Danny my guide, and driver, netted tne largest of the Darienheros yet.
It appears this one is over 7" TL, as the net used to transfer it from bucket to tank is @5" wide.
Although current was much stronger, pH remained around 7.8, and nitrate was still undetectable.
As could be expected from the current they were caught in, the plecos chose to hang out in the strongest flow in the tank.
The same species of fish were caught, Darienheros cichlids, Chaetostoma plecos, a couple Sturostoma whiptail catfish, and many tetras (probably two dozen tetras per any one non-tetra), especially in the strongest currents.
Depths all species were caught, were only in knee deep water
Danny my guide, and driver, netted tne largest of the Darienheros yet.
It appears this one is over 7" TL, as the net used to transfer it from bucket to tank is @5" wide.
Although current was much stronger, pH remained around 7.8, and nitrate was still undetectable.
As could be expected from the current they were caught in, the plecos chose to hang out in the strongest flow in the tank.
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Certainly have some interesting fish in your region! Must be nice to just go and catch 'em (parasite thing must be a nuisance tho).
This is why we didn't keep any tetras caught this day.
Cyprinids are the favorite host for Lernaea parasites all over the tropics, and I didn't want to risk reinfecting the tank.
Although I believe cichlids aren't immune to Lernaea, none of them were outwardly parasitized, even when the tetras were totally ravaged.
And just to be safe, about a week after the 1st dose of Praziquantel was introduce, a 2nd dose was also applied to the tank, and even though all tetras in that tank died, so fr, none of the cichlids have succumbed.
Still, I am always scouring any new fish for any signs of new parasites, and because these parasites can be illusive (especially in fast swimmers like tetras), one of the reasons I usually take at least 100 photos per day, is just to get a closer look.
Just another one of slight blips and bugaboos one gets for living in paradise.
The older Gobies from the river have been very timid since being put in the tank.
I chalk this up to a very "intelligent fear" of humans (here in Panama the large ones are a regular part of the local populations dinner), and prized by sport fishermen.
But a few are starting to venture out a little, enough to get better photos than previously.
I chalk this up to a very "intelligent fear" of humans (here in Panama the large ones are a regular part of the local populations dinner), and prized by sport fishermen.
But a few are starting to venture out a little, enough to get better photos than previously.
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After catching one Isthmoheros tuyrensis 2 weeks ago, we decided to return to the Rio Mamoni near the pueblo of Las Margariias, to try and find another 1 or 2..
The flow was still quite strong, but water quality and color was quite a bi clearer.
Darienheros calobrensis were still quite common, but another cichlid "not seen" in this stretch of river before today, was Andinoacara coerleopunctatus.
Because I have many already, I threw back most of the Darienheros back, kept a few Andinoacara, and kept a few Gobiomorus, and one Awaous goby.
The pH tested 7.6 to 8, nitrates were undetectable, and water temp was @ 80'F
The flow was still quite strong, but water quality and color was quite a bi clearer.
Darienheros calobrensis were still quite common, but another cichlid "not seen" in this stretch of river before today, was Andinoacara coerleopunctatus.
Because I have many already, I threw back most of the Darienheros back, kept a few Andinoacara, and kept a few Gobiomorus, and one Awaous goby.
The pH tested 7.6 to 8, nitrates were undetectable, and water temp was @ 80'F
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Yesterday, a bit further into the rainy season, and higher flow from the mountains, I checked and the water temp in this stretch of river, and it has dropped to 80'F.
One of the Andinoacara caught the other day about 2.5 " TL.
These were not caught in the main channel but in oxbow type, slack water areas along the tree line, in the shade of terrestrial vegetation.
These were not caught in the main channel but in oxbow type, slack water areas along the tree line, in the shade of terrestrial vegetation.
