Barricouta Pond's Secret: Unveiling The Aquatic Life Of Belize

Belize is home to a wide variety of fish species, thanks to its low population density and diverse habitats. The country boasts the Belize Barrier Reef, an essential part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, as well as inshore lagoons and deep offshore waters. From the shallow flats of estuaries to the freshwater fishing grounds of rivers, anglers can find an abundance of fish, including tarpon, snook, bonefish, and permit. Beyond the reef, deep-sea fishing offers the chance to catch red snapper, marlin, sailfish, groupers, and tuna. Belize's mangroves are home to the elusive snook, as well as tarpon, mangrove snapper, and mutton snapper. The country's diverse fisheries and conservation efforts make it a top destination for anglers and a paradise for fishing enthusiasts.

Fish species found in Belize's rivers and lagoons

Belize is home to a diverse range of fish species, with its Caribbean coastal waters, rivers, and lagoons offering a wealth of fishing opportunities. The country boasts access to the Belize Barrier Reef, one of the world's largest coral reefs, as well as inshore lagoons and deep offshore waters. Here is an overview of some of the fish species found in Belize's rivers and lagoons:

The Belize Barrier Reef

Belize's section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unparalleled biodiversity. Beyond the reef lies deep-sea fishing grounds, where anglers can target red snapper, marlin, sailfish, giant grouper, and tuna.

Inshore Lagoons and Rivers

Inshore lagoons and rivers in Belize offer a variety of fishing experiences. The flats are excellent hunting grounds for tarpon, bonefish, permit, and occasionally barracuda. The mangroves are home to snook, tarpon, mangrove snapper, and mutton snapper. Rivers and streams in Belize, such as the Sibun River, are also home to species like the Belize anchovy, American eel, and Mayan catfish.

Exotic Species

In addition to native species, Belize has also reported the presence of exotic fish like the 'Pacu' (*Colossoma macroporum* or *Piaractus brachypomus*), which is native to South America and was discovered in a pond near the Village of Lemonal. This omnivorous fish, related to the piranha, is likely the result of an escape or release from captive husbandry or aquaculture in neighbouring countries or the local pet trade.

Conservation Efforts

Belize is committed to conservation and the protection of its diverse fish species. Many lodges and tour operators have adopted catch-and-release policies, and certain species, such as bonefish, tarpon, and permit, are catch-and-release only. These practices help to ensure the sustainability of Belize's fisheries and the continued enjoyment of anglers for years to come.

Fish species found in Belize's mangroves

Mangroves are a vital part of the Belizean ecosystem, providing a habitat for a variety of fish species. Covering 3.4% of Belize's land, the country is home to three types of mangrove: the red mangrove, the black mangrove, and the white mangrove, as well as the buttonwood, a subspecies of mangrove. These trees are specially adapted to survive in very salty soil and water conditions, as well as low-oxygen environments and flooding.

The red mangrove, scientifically known as Rhizophora mangle, is the most common species in the Caribbean. It is often found along the water's edge on cayes and waterways and can be identified by its long prop roots, which support the plant. The black mangrove, Avicennia germinans, is usually found further inland and can be recognised by the small protrusions called pnuematophores that encircle the base of the tree. These pnuematophores help with gas exchange. The white mangrove, Laguncularia racemosa, and the buttonwood, Conocarpus erectus, are generally located even further away from the water's edge.

Mangroves act as feeding and nursery grounds for fish species, as well as providing shelter and protection from harsh weather conditions. They are also important in filtering and purifying water, protecting coral reefs located further out at sea.

Belize's mangroves are home to a diverse range of fish species, including:

• Barracuda
• Snappers
• Grunts
• Parrotfish
• Mullet
• Tarpon
• Chubs
• Spadefish
• Jacks
• Squirrelfish
• Gobies
• Flounder
• Batfish
• Trumpetfish
• Tilefish
• Pufferfish
• Boxfish
• Triggerfish
• Toadfish
• Filefish
• Goatfish
• Morays
• Sharks, including the nurse shark, lemon shark, and tiger shark
• Rays, such as the southern stingray and yellow stingray
• Groupers
• Basslets
• Butterflyfish
• Angelfish
• Bonefish
• Ladyfish
• Hogfishes
• Wrasses
• Needlefish
• Flyingfishes
• Surgeonfish

Unfortunately, despite legislation protecting the mangroves of Belize, their overall cover is decreasing due to expanding developments, including hotels and resorts. The rise in mass tourism and the increasing demand for coastal settlements have led to the clearance of many mangrove wetland areas. This poses a significant threat to the fish species that depend on these ecosystems for survival.

Fish species found in Belize's reefs

Belize is home to the Belize Barrier Reef, an essential section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. The country's low population density and wide variety of habitats have allowed biodiversity to thrive. The Belize Barrier Reef is part of a vital reef ecosystem that includes many fish species.

• Bonefish, or "grey ghosts", are one of the fastest fish in the ocean, reaching speeds of around 40 miles per hour. They are quite shy and tend to swim away quickly when approached. Bonefish are popular among anglers, so much so that they have their own form of fishing named after them: bonefishing.
• Atlantic Tarpon, also known as Silver King, are well-loved by sport anglers for their acrobatics on the line and potential for large size. They can grow up to eight feet long and weigh 350 pounds.
• Permit fish can grow up to 48 inches long and weigh up to 79 pounds. They tend to live in shallower waters but breed offshore. An area around Belize called Permit Alley is so full of these fish.
• Snook, also known as sergeant fish or robalo, come in many species, the most abundant being the common snook and the fat snook. They are very sensitive to their environment and are susceptible to extreme weather events caused by climate change.
• Whitelined Toadfish is a rare species found only in Belize's coastal waters. They live in coral reefs between 16 to 100 feet deep and are an excellent example of why coral reef preservation is crucial.
• Social Wrasse is a small fish that swims in large schools through the coral reefs off the coast of Belize. They are somewhat shiny and have a greyish-green colour, sometimes with blue or white spots.
• Dwarf Spiny Bead Blenny is a pale grey fish with an alien-looking head. They live in the coral reefs off the north and central coast of Belize, hiding in caves and dead coral.

Belize's reefs are also home to a variety of other fish species, including Black, Cubera, and Caribbean Queen Snappers; Marlin and Sailfish; Jacks of all shapes and sizes; Barracuda; Mackerel; Groupers; Wahoo; Mahi Mahi; and Tuna.

Fish species found in Belize's deep sea

Belize is a small Central American country with a coast on the Caribbean Sea. It boasts access to one of the biggest coral reefs in the world, the Belize Barrier Reef, and deep offshore waters. The country has banned bottom trawling and offshore drilling close to the reef to protect its unique marine life.

Deep-sea fishing in Belize offers the chance to catch a variety of fish species. The sea bed drops from 600 to 2,000 feet just beyond the reef, and the deep waters are easily accessible from Ambergris Caye, with San Pedro being the only city on the island.

There are two types of deep-sea fish: those that live on the sea bed, and mobile fish that can live on all levels of the sea. Examples of the former include the dusky grouper, red grouper, dentex, and red porgy. The grouper is one of the most popular deep-sea fish to catch, with a mild, flaky taste. Mobile fish include swordfish, tuna, and amber jacks, which are more popular to eat as they are easier to catch and more abundant.

Deep-sea fishing charters can take anglers hunting for top game species just a few miles from the shore, including White and Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna. Blue Marlin in these waters can weigh up to 400 pounds, and 70+ lb Sailfish can be caught outside the reef off Ambergris Caye.

In addition to these deep-sea "A-listers", there are also delicious bottom-dwelling species such as Snapper and Grouper, along with King Mackerel and Sharks. Barracuda and Sharks will also provide a challenge when trying to land your catch.

The Turneffe Islands, also known as Turneffe Atoll, offer rewarding deep-sea fishing thanks to steep drop-offs. These islands are located around 20 miles east of Belize City, and less than 5 miles southwest, anglers can find huge drop-offs perfect for trolling and jigging for bottom-dwelling species, as well as angling for Billfish. It's common to catch 70-lb Wahoo near the reefs of Turneffe.

Caye Caulker, a tiny coral island south of Ambergris Caye and north of Turneffe Atoll, is also a popular destination for big game fishing. The deep blue waters are accessible just a couple of miles away, where anglers can fish for Billfish, Tuna, and Mahi in depths of 800–2,000 feet.

Hopkins Village and Placencia, located in southern Belize, are also popular fishing destinations, offering some of the best deep-sea action in the country. Less fishing pressure and interesting bottom structures holding quality fish can be found in this part of Belize.

Glover's Reef, located around 30 miles from Hopkins Village, is known for holding schools of Blackfin Tuna, and Yellowfin Tuna weighing up to 125 lb can be found southeast of the reef.

Trolling multiple lines is the most common technique for landing big game species, and live bait drift fishing is a good method for catching Sailfish.

April and May are the most productive months for most species, while spring and summer are great for Sailfish. Wahoo is most abundant in fall and winter, and the best time for Marlin is between November and June. Mahi season runs from May to October.

Fishing methods and equipment used in Belize

Belize is a country in Central America with a coast on the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its diverse fishing grounds, with inshore lagoons, access to one of the world's biggest coral reefs, and deep offshore waters. The country has implemented various conservation efforts, such as banning bottom trawling and offshore drilling near the Belize Barrier Reef to protect its unique fish species.

Boats

Traditional sailboats from Sarteneja are primarily used for fishing conch and lobster. These boats typically carry around eight fishers and stay at sea for eight to ten days. Dory boats, which are small, non-motorized, and lightweight, are usually stacked on top of sailboats and used for fishing lobster and conch as well. Dugout canoes, similar to dories but made of wood, are used throughout Belize for catching various fish species. Skiffs, also known as pangas in the north, are motorized boats used for day trips or longer excursions. They are equipped with live wells or coolers to keep the catch fresh.

Gear

The type of gear used in Belize varies depending on the target species and fishing technique. Here are some common types of gear:

• Nets: Cast nets, raati nets, gillnets, beach seine nets, and jamo nets are used for catching baitfish, blue crab, and various fish species.
• Traps: Beach traps, lobster traps, and fish pots are used to lure and capture fish. Lobster shades, or casitas, are structures that provide shade for lobsters, which are then collected using hooks or nets.
• Lines: Hand lines, set lines, and tow lines are used for fishing snappers, groupers, and other finfish species.
• Fly fishing: This recreational fishing method targets sport fish such as tarpon, permit, and bonefish.
• Long lines: Commercial fishing method with hundreds of baited hooks strung on a line to target pelagic sharks.
• Rod and reel: Used for sport fishing, especially in deep water, to catch tarpon, permit, bonefish, marlin, and other species.
• Electric reels: Used in deep waters for recreational or commercial fishing, targeting large pelagic fish.
• Spears: Sling (trident), hook stick, and spear guns are used for lionfish, hogfish, barracuda, grouper, snapper, and other finfish.
• Skin diving (free diving): Used for collecting conch and sea cucumber by hand.

Fishing Spots and Techniques

Belize offers a range of fishing spots, from inshore lagoons to offshore waters. Here are some popular techniques and locations:

• Shore Fishing: Fishing from the shore, estuaries, or islands is a popular method, especially for inshore species like tarpon and snook.
• Fly Fishing: A great way to target inshore species like tarpon, permit, and bonefish, requiring skill and precision.
• Reef Fishing: The Belize Barrier Reef provides an opportunity for bottom fishing and spearfishing, with species like snapper, grouper, and barracuda.
• Deep Sea Fishing: Beyond the reef, anglers can target billfish species like marlin and sailfish, as well as wahoo, mahi mahi, and tuna.
• Fishing Spots: Ambergris Caye, Tarpon Caye, Permit Alley, Turneffe Atoll, and Punta Gorda are some of the top fishing destinations in Belize.

Belize offers a unique and exciting fishing experience with its diverse species, beautiful locations, and range of fishing techniques. Anglers can choose from shore, boat, or reef fishing while adhering to the country's fishing regulations and conservation efforts.

Frequently asked questions