How Igor The Amazonian Pacu Fish Found A Place Called Home

By Patricia Sagastume

 

Credit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Igor the Pacu fish has two sets of pectoral fins and a deformed face but he is still a favorite for many visitors at the Loxahatchee River Center in Jupiter.

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In the piranha- infested waters of the Amazon, a baby Black Pacu, the vegetarian cousin of the flesh-eating fish survives capture.  If it had nine lives, its next one was in a tropical aquarium in a Boca Raton seafood restaurant.
Weighing nearly one pound, the non-native Pacu was growing too big, too fast. Once again, the fish needed another home. The restaurant, The Ports of Call, was dismantling their aquariums so the Pacu was returned to its original owner.

 

Credit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Igor, a 27-pound Pacu fish at the Loxahatchee River Center in Jupiter.

“I didn’t want to just kill him or dump him in the canal but I didn’t have a tank to put him in,” says Charlie Holland, the retired pet storeowner of the Fins, Furs and Feathers.
Plus, there was something strange about the fish.  It’s face looked like a Frankenstein version of itself.
“He used to spook and run into the end of ten foot long tank. That battering distorted its face,” said Holland.
With a bashed-in face, the fish had an even less marketable chance of being re-sold so Holland did what he thought he should. He called authorities.  After all, the Pacu was non-native species.

 

Credit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Igor got a new home in south Florida, marking the end of an era for one Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lab.

“Charlie did exactly what was right,” said Paul Shafland, former director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Non-Native Research lab.
“It’s illegal to release any non-native fish, at the very least it’s unwise.”
Soon, the Pacu was on its way to a special laboratory where scientists study, dissect and measure invasive fish species in South Florida’s canals.
For nearly forty years, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Non-Native Research lab adopted many unwanted fish. The purpose of the lab is to provide fish strategies to protect native fish and their habitats from exotics like the Pacu.
But the lab officially closed April 30th and the new place, which is located in Boynton Beach, has no laboratory facilities.
Once again, it seemed the Pacu’s days were numbered but that was hardly the case.
The South Florida Science Museum wanted to adopt Igor but the aquarium they built was too small. Fortunately, the Loxahatchee River Center in Jupiter, which was temporarily housing Igor, decided to make it permanent.
“He stole the show. It use to be our turtles. But when people walk into the center and see him they go whoa, because he’s so big,” says Jocelyn O’Neill, the environmental education coordinator for the Loxahatchee River District.

 

Credit Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Murray Stanford (left) and Kelly Gestring say goodbye to Igor, the deformed Pacu fish. Igor was their adopted pet for more 35 years at the former Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Non-Native Research lab.

 

Full Article

Garmin GPS 12

 

The Bottom Line

This small unit fits the weekend angler's pocket book and yet is as accurate as the big ones.

 

Pros

• Comparatively inexpensive
• 12 satellite uplink for accuracy
• 500 waypoint memory

Cons

• Weak plastic console mount
• Battery life is only enough for one fishing trip
• Waypoint input is cumbersome

Description

• A small, light weight, hand held GPS unit
• Uses up to 12 satellites for accurate readings
• Provides either compass heading or runway path

Guide Review - Garmin GPS 12

Finding Your Way

Garmin has put a lot of product in a small package. The GPS 12 is arguably the most popular hand held GPS unit. It comes with a nice array of add on options, including a small plastic console mount and a cigarette lighter power cord to save you on batteries. I prefer the roadway guidance to the compass heading mode, but it has both if you prefer one over the other. With 500 waypoints in its memory, you can store a ton of fishing spots. The waypoint input is like all of the handhelds - more than cumbersome. But that can be overlooked if you study the owner's manual and practice. Battery life is advertised as 12 hours. I can get 12 hours, but only with the most expensive batteries - the unit takes four AA batteries. I end up buying four new ones every trip just to make sure I can get home. The cigarette lighter cord option fixes the battery problem, but in rough water, I find the plastic console mount is not strong enough to hold the unit. So, I end up using it as a true handheld, and consequently need the batteries. I find this GPS to be an excellent value and a very accurate unit. I have never seen it be off by more than about ten feet, and often puts me exactly on the spot.


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Kecoh Ikan Gergasi Masuk Kampung

 

BALING – Penduduk setempat di kawasan Kampung Lubuk Pedati kecoh setelah menjumpai ikan gergasi iaitu jenis arapaima sepanjang 1.5 meter yang terdampar di dalam sungai berdekatan kampung itu kira-kira jam 1.30 petang, kelmarin.
Ikan air tawar terbesar di dunia itu dijumpai berdeka-tan tebing sungai sebelum ia dikerumuni penduduk kampung yang melalui kawasan sungai itu.
Kebanyakan penduduk kampung terkejut kerana pertama kali melihat ikan bersaiz luar biasa itu terdampar di dalam sungai tersebut.
Penduduk, Nizam Hussin, 48, berkata, kemungkinan ikan gergasi sering dijumpai di Sungai Amazon itu dibuang oleh pihak tertentu sebelum hanyut ke kawasan perkampungan penduduk.
“Siapa yang tidak terkejut melihat ikan bersaiz gergasi di dalam sungai ini. Lagipun, penduduk tidak pernah terserempak dengan ikan ini sebelum ini. Disebabkan itu, ada kalangan penduduk yang terkejut,” katanya.
Katanya, memang ada penduduk yang memelihara ikan itu sebelum ini, tetapi tidak pasti ikan yang terdampar berkenaan adalah miliknya ataupun tidak.

“Selain itu, ada juga yang pihak yang mengatakan ikan berkenaan terlepas dan mati di dalam sungai ini semasa banjir di Baling baru-baru ini,” katanya.
Menurutnya, walaupun apa pun, ikan seperti itu tidak seharusnya dibuang begitu sahaja ke dalam sungai kerana ia boleh mengakibatkan pencemaran bau.
“Saya yakin ikan ini telah mati beberapa hari lalu be-rikutan baunya yang busuk,” katanya.
Ikan yang mampu mencecah berat sehingga 200 kilogram ini antara yang semakin diancam kepupusan beriku-tan nilai harganya yang tinggi di pasaran gelap.
Keadaan mengakibatkan kerajaan seperti Brazil mengharamkan penangkapan ikan tersebut secara komersial bagi mengelakkan kepupusan ikan unik itu.


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Lake Fishing Techniques and Tips!

 

Fishing for the Beginners

Where to start?

A great place to start fishing is in your own area. Many people are surprised to find out that there are many spots to pond or lake fish in their own area. There are a few great resources you can use to find available fishing spots in your area. Kingfisher makes a great guide to lakes across the country. You can find lakes in your specific region and get an idea of what is available. Many states have listings and maps on lakes on their DNR website. When searching for a lake, never discount the local tackle shop. Most bait and tackle stores are staffed with local, knowledgeable staff who can suggest a watering hole that would be ideal for what you are looking for. This brings up a good question.

What are you looking for?

Are you looking to fish for a particular type of fish or are you looking to take the family out for a relaxing day and see what is biting. What you are fishing for will determine a few things: what lake you should fish on, what tackle you need to bring and, in many states, what licensing is required. Here is a brief description of some of the species of fish you may consider fishing for and what to expect fishing for them is like. Click on the species for more lake fishing tips!

 Specific Species

Bluegill- Bluegill is a fun little fish to catch, tasty too! Bluegill is fairly easy to catch and requires a minimal amount of equipment to fish for. Since they stay in schools if you find one, there is sure to be more. Most freshwater lakes have bluegill and many times they are close to shore, which makes them ideal for shore fishing. Bluegill like to nibble and run with a bait.
Crappie- Crappie fishing is fun from a boat. Many people like to set out their lines and troll deeper portions of the lake, looking for a school. Like with bluegill, once you find a school it is best to work that area heavily.
Bass- Bass are fun for a fight! Adult bass in the Midwest tend to be around 16 inches. Fishing for bass can be done from shore or from a boat. While bass fishing may take a bit more casting and patience, they are definitely worth it! You will know you have a bass because they like to aggressively strike the bait.
Catfish- Catfishing is great from the shore! For the most part, catfish can be as low maintenance to fish for as bluegill, but with a bigger payout. If you would like to night fish, catfish is perfect!
Carp- Carp are usually seen as a nuisance fish in the U.S. however, many folks are realizing how fun carp fishing can be. Carp are usually not the most tasty, but they are fairly easy to fish for and put up a great fight.
Steelhead- Steelhead are great if you are looking for a fight! If you have a good river or stream you can tap into when the steelhead are running, with a bit of equipment, you could be in for a big payoff and a great time.
Northern Pike- Northerns can take time, preparation, and patience, but the fight they put up is worth the extra effort. Normally, Northern Pike reside in deep water and can be tricky to hunt down, so a boat is needed. Also, be sure to be prepared to deal with their razor sharp teeth!

A fun day with the family

A simple worm and bobber rig is great for pan fish such as bluegill, perch, crappie, sunfish and pumpkin seeds. You will want to find a spot where you can see the bobbers and the wind will not carry them into brush. If you are looking to spend a fun day out with the family, or looking to get your kids introduced to some lake fishing techniques, pan fishing from shore is a great place to start. Pan fishing can be done with the minimal amount of equipment and is fairly easy to teach. You will want to select a location that is friendly for parking your crew. Many locations have piers or docks where you can set a few chairs or dangle your feet in the water. You may also want to see if there is a nearby bathroom!

A few other things to consider

Are you going to be fishing from the shore or from a boat? Here are a few things to consider:
Shoreline- Is the shoreline clear enough for you to have lake access? Is the shoreline shared with a swimming area? Does the lake have ample ideal fishing spots along the accessible shore (i.e. shade, lily pads, down stumps).
Boat fishing- Does the lake you select have a boat launch? Will you need to rent a boat? If you already have one, is it a size suiting to the lake you select?

Shoreline Fishing

Lake fishing from a shore line offers fisherman a wide variety of options with little prep time. By not relying on a boat to fish you can literally be ready to fish within minutes and you will have access to many of the smaller fishing holes that do not have boat access.
“Being raised only boat fishing, I was surprised at how liberating shore fishing was. I would have days when I was itching to fish, but couldn’t seem to fit a trip to the lake, uncovering the boat, loading up the gear, getting a few hours on the lake and then unloading the boat, covering it and making the drive back. I found a little public pond between work and home that I can stop at for ten minutes or a few hours. I keep a small tackle box in the car and a two piece rod in the trunk.”
When finding a lake or pond to shore fish from you want to make sure that the water has some movement to it or is fed from a natural spring or creek. If a pond or small lake doesn’t have movement with the water, there is a good chance that oxygen levels in the water are lower. This can result in a pond with few fish with sluggish biting habits.
Once you have your pond or lake selected, set up a small tackle box suited for what you are going to fish for. It is always best to have a few of the basics; spare hooks, sinkers, swivels, bobbers, favorite lures, etc. Some of the other basics you should have on you are a pair of needle nose pliers, a basket or stringer if you plan on keeping your catch and a pocket knife. If you have an extra reel handy, it is a good idea to bring that with, as well.
It is recommended that you rig up your rod before you actually get to the lake. It is much easier to thread the line through your eyes and tie your snaps when you aren’t dealing with wind or uneven ground.
When you arrive at the pond or lake find a spot where you think the fish will be. Look for areas with brush cover, weed pockets or lily pads. On your way to the spot you select, cast out your line, you never know what you are going to find or where they will be.
Above all, remember to have fun and relax. The fish my not bite immediately and you may need to try a few different spots, but a few minutes or a day of fishing beats a few minutes or a day not fishing!

Boat Fishing

Anchoring Down

If you have a boat or have decided to rent a boat, you have a couple of options on how you would like to fish. Anchoring down in one spot is common for pan fishing. If it is a hotter day, find a spot with deeper weed cover and a low depth. Bluegill and perch will go to the cooler water and will feed heavier in these areas. If it is spawn season, you will want to try to find a spawn bed, usually closer to the shoreline.
Stationary fishing can also be good when fishing for Northern pike, which tend to be in the deeper cold waters.

Moving and Casting

The most effective way to bass fish is to cast a crank-bait along the shore line or weed bed. With this practice you are slowly trolling along the shore line, stopping and casting as you go. This allows you to work your way around the lake and focus you casting in pockets where the bass may be laying. By using the trolling motor to control your pace and location, you can easily double back to a spot where you are getting hits.

Trolling

Trolling is setting your lines out, usually at a longer distance than one can cast; having your polls secured in the boat, and slowly trolling around the lake. This technique is great for crappie fishing, because it allows you to cover a great deal of area in a relatively short time. Since crappie are school fish, trolling allows you to find the schools and work the areas they are with ease
If you have enjoyed learning the beginning steps of lake fishing, check out our Lake Fishing Tips blog!

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Keunikan percutian Ekopelancongan

 

TEKS & GAMBAR: ROSMALINI MD YAKIN

Bersiar-siar dipesisir pantai dengan kereta kuda pasti memberikab pengalaman berbeza.

Bersiap sedia untuk aktiviti berkayak.

Pengalaman bermalam di sebuah resort yang tidak jauh dari Bandar Kuantan, Pahang benar-benar memberi seribu pengertian mengenai pentingnya memelihara alam semula jadi agar generasi akan datang turut berpeluang merasai keindahannya.

Terletak kira-kira lapan kilometer dari Pusat Bandar Kuantan, ia dikenali sebagai KempVille Beach Resort menawarkan pelbagai kemudahan riadah dalam suasana tenang yang dengan tiupan angin dari Laut China Selatan sesekali menghempas pantai cukup mendamaikan.

Dua hari berada di sini, penulis disajikan pemandangan cukup indah dan mempesonakan. Kempville ditubuhkan pada 2008, telah enam tahun beroperasi sebagai sebuah pusat pelancongan yang menarik sekitar Kuantan.

Sebelum ditubuhkan sekelilingnya adalah hutan yang ditumbuhi dengan pelbagai spesies flora dan fauna. Jadi agak mudah bagi pengurusan chalet ini mengekalkan suasana semula jadi hanya dengan memperindah persekitaran yang sedia ada menjadi landskap menarik sesuai untuk percutian.

Menurut pihak pengurusan di sini, sejak ditubuhkan enam tahun lalu setiap kali menjelang musim cuti sekolah tempahan untuk menginap di sini pasti akan penuh. Pengunjung dinasihatkan membuat tempahan awal bagi mengelakkan kesukaran mendapat chalet.

“Kempvalle yang terletak sedikit ke pedalaman amat sesuai bagi seisi keluarga, pasangan berbulan madu dan pelajar untuk meluangkan masa cuti di sini. Tidak lupa juga bagi mereka yang gemar memancing pastinya menjanjikan habuan lumayan,” katanya.

Jadi, tidak hairanlah setiap kali cuti hujung minggu atau cuti perlepasan Kempvalle sentiasa dipenuhi peserta atau keluarga yang menjalankan aktiviti masing-masing. Struktur geografi semula jadi Kempvalle juga menjadi daya penarik mengapa destinasi ini menjadi pilihan pengunjung dari serata Malaysia dan ada juga Singapura serta Brunei.

Kedudukan Kempvalle berhampiran laut dan muara sungai yang membentuk tasik menjadikan ia lokasi strategik bagi burung bermusim untuk berhijrah ke sini apabila perubahan cuaca berlaku di tempat mereka.

Spesies seperti bangau, enggang dan pelatuk yang jinak pasti akan menghampiri pengunjung. Bagi pasangan berbulan madu, suasana romantik matahari terbit dan terbenam pada petangnya sememangnya dijanjikan Kempvalle. Ia ibarat lokasi yang boleh menghilangkan tekanan sepanjang seminggu bekerja.

Chalet ala kampung harga berpatutan

Setiap kali percutian kita pasti akan merancang bajet sebaik mungkin. Bagi mereka yang berjimat cermat tetapi tidak ingin melepaskan peluang untuk bercuti semestinya Kempvalle adalah destinasi tepat untuk meluangkan masa bersama keluarga.

Hanya dua jam pemanduan dari Terengganu dan enam jam dari Kelantan, Kempvalle adalah destinasi menarik di Pantai Timur yang boleh dilawati. Begitu juga pengunjung dari Kuala Lumpur boleh memilih lokasi ini untuk bercuti kerana jaraknya hanya tiga jam perjalanan.

Satu lagi keistimewaan di sini, selain suasana dan struktur geografinya yang menarik iaitu,  harga chalet yang ditawarkan juga berpatutan. Kadar chalet adalah dari RM70 hingga RM150 semalaman, termasuk sarapan pagi ala kampung.

Resort ini menyediakan empat jenis chalet untuk dipilih pengunjung. Semua chalet yang disediakan adalah berkonsepkan chalet ala kampung, iaitu lapan unit family suite, 16 unit  jenis superior, empat unit jenis deluxe dan 10 unit jenis standard.

Selain itu, terdapat juga kemudahan lain yang disediakan di resort ini, iaitu coffee house,  kemudahan bankuet dan barbeku (di tepi tasik). Oleh kerana harga murah dan lokasi yang menarik, pengunjung suka memilih tempat ini yang dianggap percutian nature sesuai dikongsi bersama keluarga mahupun rakan-rakan untuk bercuti.

Lubuk kaki pancing

Peluang menginap di Kempvalle tidak harus dilepaskan begitu sahaja, bagi keluarga yang ahlinya adalah kaki pancing ia ibarat ‘orang mengantuk disorongkan bantal’ kerana di sini terdapat dua kolam memancing di mana ia adalah muara antara sungai dan air laut yang terdapat pelbagai spesies ikan.

Bagi kaki pancing di sinilah tempat sesuai selain merehatkan minda dari kesibukan kota, mereka boleh melepaskan gian untuk mencuba nasib menaikkan ikan-ikan besar yang selalunya terdapat di laut.

Pengunjung Azman Abdul Manaf, 50, berkata selalunya dia dan keluarga akan menghabiskan cuti hujung minggu dengan memancing di sini.

“Hanya membayar harga chalet jenis standard pada kadar RM70 semalam, kami anak beranak dapat meluangkan masa dengan hobi masing-masing. Isteri suka akan suasana di sini, anak-anak dapat bermain di pantai, jadi saya dapat memancing yang menjanjikan pengalaman menewaskan ikan-ikan di laut.

“Menjelang tengah hari makanan dan minuman tersedia dan kami juga diberi kesempatan untuk memasak sendiri dengan menyediakan kawasan untuk BBQ seperti ikan bakar, ayam sotong dan sebagainya,” katanya.

Menurutnya, keterujaan kaki pancing tidak dapat dibendung lagi apabila ada yang berjaya menaikkan spesies ikan laut tanpa perlu ke tengah laut, sekali gus dapat berkongsi kegembiraan dengan keluarga.

“Biarpun hobi berlainan tetapi peluang bercuti dengan suasana tenang di Kempvalle dapat dimanfaatkan sepenuhnya oleh seluruh ahli keluarga kerana selain dikhaskan untuk kaki pancing. Terdapat juga aktiviti riadah lain yang menarik untuk dicuba,” katanya.

Aktiviti riadah menjanjikan keseronokan

Percutian di resort dengan dikelilingi keindahan alam semula jadi dan pokok buah-buahan tumbuh subur cukup mendamaikan adalah pengalaman bermakna.

Setiap kita mempunyai hobi dan kegemaran yang berbeza, tetapi itu semua tidak menjadi masalah sepanjang menginap di Kempvalle, sambil bersantai bagi pengunjung yang suka aktiviti mencabar anda boleh memilih untuk berkayak dan menyusuri sekeliling tasik hingga ke muara dengan menaiki sampan disediakan khas buat penggemar aktiviti ini.

Terdapat juga permainan seperti bola tampar dan bola sepak pantai, selain dapat memancing di laut bersama nelayan tempatan. Atas permintaan juga pengunjung berpeluang selam skuba di Pantai Kempadang berdekatan dengan Resort Kempvalle, minimum untuk lima orang bagi satu perjalanan.

Walaupun terletak di kawasan perkampungan tetapi pengunjung pasti teruja apabila berpeluang menaiki kereta kuda dan menunggang kuda yang disediakan pengurusan resort.
 Pengunjung juga boleh merasai menaiki ATV untuk bersiar-siar sekitar pantai. Harga yang dikenakan amat berpatutan.


Source:  Sinarharian