A Cuban Fishing Trip, by Derek Molter

Editor's note: This is a rather unusual "article" perhaps more suited to a specialist discussion forum. Given the interesting photographs, however, and the vast knowledge-base of the Aquarticles readership, I thought it a relevant posting for Aquarticles.

January 20, 2007

To whom it may concern...

My name is Derek Molter. I have just returned within the week from a one week holiday at a resort halfway between Varadero and Havana. This is my second time staying in Cuba and both times I have fished catch and release style with some success catching cichlids. I have been into aquariums most of my life, but I have been out of the hobby for a couple of years. There is a small creek at the edge of this particular resort and I caught three types of cichlids out of it. I am writing to you to see if you would be willing to assist me in identifying these species because with the exception of one (oreochromis mossambicus), I am at a loss as to what exactly I was catching. I have some decent pictures if you are interested in seeing them. If you are able to help me with this, it would be appreciated.

Many thanks...

Derek Molter

January 21, 2007

Hi Derek - I would be happy to assist you in trying to identify these fish. Here is what I propose to do - send the photos and I will post them along with your email. I would think that some of the knowledgeable visitors to Aquarticles.com should be able to help out in identifying the fish.

Regards,
Aquarticles editor

February 3, 2007

Great...Thanks

I have some pictures here for you. I'm not sure, but I think the smaller one thats hanging from the hook is tetracanthus. The bigger one I have no idea about.

Derek

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Photo one

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Photo two

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Photo three

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Photo four

And so there you have it readers! Please contact Derek at alwayshuntingsomething@gmail.com if you think you can positively identify these fish. While you are at it, please send an email to theo@aquarticles.com with the same information. Thanks.

I promise to update this page once a verdict is reached!
-Editor

Dr. Robert Coleman of www.cichlidresearch.com states: "The large guy dangling from the hook is tetracanthus. The bottom photos appear to be a tilapia. Exactly which tilapia I can't say because many of the ones used in aquaculture (which often escape) are weird hybrids of two or three species. I am not an expert on that group (Tilapia) but I am 99.9% sure that isn't a native New World cichlid and it clearly has the "tilapia spot" at the base of the rear portion of the dorsal."