13 million years ago North and South America came together, creating an isthmus called Panama. The meeting of these two immense lands logically makes it an extremely varied and rich place in fauna (and flora of course).
Fish biodiversity is also concerned, so here are the species that can be found in the Pacific, Atlantic and freshwater waters of Panama.
In fresh water
On the subject of fresh water, and more particularly on the Gatún lake, there are the famous peacock-bass, smaller than the Brazilian or Colombian subjects but still very present and always nice to catch.
Snook, tarpon, and even rare amara swim in the waters of the lake. The tarpon take advantage of the Panama Canal (which crosses the lake) to pass from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Lake Bayano, further east, is known for its large tilapia population.
On the ocean side
On the Pacific side, it is obviously the most prized rooster fish, and the flagship species of this country. It is also one of the places where the biggest specimens are found, some of them weighing up to 45 kilos.
The most present trevally are the caninus, which are the cousins of the hippo trevally that we find on the Atlantic side. The pompano and big-eyed jacks are also present. We continue in the carangidae family with the yellowtail, they are fished on the surface here, something quite rare for this species.
Sharks are present in Panamanian waters like the famous bulldog that can be fished on the surface with large poppers. Spectacular attack and Dantesque fight guaranteed.
The red carp also called cubera is present in both oceans. Its cousin the mullet snapper is also a big fighter and can be found on the same types of spots. Panama is also a place of passage for the yellowfin tuna, during the big season, it is possible to see spectacular hunts called here the "lavadoras" (washing machine).
Here again, the list is long with bonefish, permit, pargo achiote, rainbow bass, flying fish, dolphinfish, king mackerel, elopse, rainbow runner, sailfish, several species of marlin.
