The Cachama
A fresh water fish, classified in the Characid family, to which piranhas, morocotos, palambras and palometas also belong. The family possesses the largest number of fresh water fish species in Venezuela. Many of them are species of commercial value in the llanos of the Orinoco River. The mature cachamas reach over a yard in length, and can weigh about 18 kilograms. The stomach coloration is usually light, whitish, contrasting with the dorsal yellow or black color observed in different individuals. It is a robust fish, of abundant and tasty meat. The cachama has been adapted to pond culture, because it endures captive conditions and handling in artificial lakes or tanks. It grows quickly and develops very well in captivity, sometimes reaching a weight of twenty Kilograms. A female is able to produce a million eggs. It feeds with fruits produced by riparian plants and with diverse aquatic invertebrates. This facilitates obtaining and dispensing food when captive in the farms. Development of native fish culture is of great economical meaning for the people of the Orinoco llanos region of Venezuela. Previous | Next Related linksOther destinations in Fauna: |
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