THE GASPAR FISH

     Wetlands have a large number of species in their ecosystem. It is possible to easily see birds, and some species of reptiles and amphibians. But what about the animals you cannot see because they live in the water, for example, the Gaspar fish?

     In the Caño Negro Mixed Wildlife Refuge there are different species of fish. Among them we can find the Gaspar, whose scientific name is Atractosteus Tropicus. The Gaspar is important for human consumption in this place. According to a research carried out in 1991, the Gaspar constituted 14.8% of the artisanal fishing in 1990, which is equivalent to 456 kg of meat for human consumption. (Rev. Biol. Trop., 1997, p. 865)

     In the same study it was discovered that Gaspar fish have a spawning period per year, which runs from April to October, and begins with the rise in the water level of the lagoons. (Rev. Biol. Trop., 1997, p. 865). Currently, the period to protect them begins in March and ends in August. From September to February, you can participate in an Artisanal Fishing Tour and try to catch at least one.