Aquarium fish-from Mexico?

[Christianloug]

Hello Ovas! I just started my vacation and I am now in mexico. Before coming, I made sure to buy a wet suit and all the snorkeling gear. I'd like to know if there are any Aquarium fish that are native to Mexico? Saltwater or freshwater or even mangrove, orrr even cenote(mexican caves that filled in with water and created natural pools). My resort is on the beach with mangroves in it and even has a bunch of cenotes in it. I had heard that there where things like mollies possibly in the cenotes as well as blind cave catfish or blind cave tetras. Not sure what to expect exactly, just want to know if there is anything interesting you guys think I should look for? I will be going to great snorkeling spots, and will get pictures for you guys on Ovas! (Where I am is supposedly one of the best remaining reefs in the world) hope this isn't too unrelated! Thanks
Christian

[tanksalot360]

Hi Christian,
There were a few fish species in the brackish/freshwater habitats i visited. I did a mangrove swamp/estuary snorkel near Playa Del Carmen. At first I saw some silver molly type fish usually along the edges at the surface and at greater depths 12" big red striped Mayan cichlid pairs defending along the banks, they called these 'Luna' because of the moon spot on the base of the tail.
In the cenotes, the most notable fish was a bigger silver fish - sorry I don't remember exactly what they were- resemble tarpon, but I believe they would navigate the underground cave system and weren't confined to a single spot. At another cenote site there were the same molly fish as the estuary living with catfish that resembled columbian cats.
It would have been really cool to see some blind cave habitats.
I would recommend Akumal Bay for snorkelling with the turtles.
Is there a Mexico biotope tank in your future?

[Christianloug]

Thanks for the great info! I have seen what seems to be the silver molly type fish, although not much else yet. Akumel is on our list for snorkelling! A Mexican biotope does sound like a great idea, I may look into it. Thanks!

[lucodu]

Hey,

I went to a cenote 10-20 minutes from Playa del Carmen in the direction of Akumal Bay where there were two cenotes side-by-side on the right hand side of the highway.  I saw some large sailfin mollies in the second cenote.  They were in small schools... just under me.  There were also miniature ducks that dove underwater... was so cool to see those.  The cenote was just a great experience and certainly a highlight of my trip to PDC.  Hope were you able to see more fish... and yeah! to go swimming with the turtles and sting rays.  Great vacation spot!