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LOCAL Friday 19 July 2024

Planning on snorkeling? Get to know our Picuda!

(Oranjestad)—If you’re ever plan- is longer than the upper one. Its
ning on snorkeling during your va- peduncle, where the body meets
cation on Aruba, you may spot fish the tail, is thick, while the tail also
that you can’t recognize. One of forms a crescent but in this case
these may be the “Picuda”, a very one more "full" than that of mullet
common fish that swims all year or conefish. This reflects the hunting
long in the waters of Aruba. Here’s style of the Picuda. It needs to be
some information about the be- able to accelerate quickly when
loved Picuda. the prey gets close.

Let's talk about the names of fish. In Aruba:
Do you know your fish? This is an Picuda can be found in our waters
informative article that illustrate around our island throughout the
some fish and their names in Pa- year. Picuda, in our waters, is ed-
piamento, which the Department ible without any problem. Picuda
of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisher- is also a highly sought-after fish by
ies, known as “Santa Rosa”, wants sports fishermen or recreational
to share and also obtain informa- fishermen because it puts up a
tion from the public. good fight once hooked. It can
"ambush predator" that stays still vary according to size. be caught via trolling from a boat,
Picuda, Sphyraena barracuda, or floats in the water waiting for casting from shore with a line or
Greater Barracuda its prey to approach so it can at- Description rod, or by jigging, casting the lure
Well known is the Picuda on the tack it with lightning speed. It is well The Picuda is a long fish, with a (artificial bait) and moving it with
island—Barracuda in English. Its known for fishermen, especially for round body like a torpedo and sil- certain rod motions.q
scientific name is Sphyraena bar- its white flesh in fish soup. In fish- ver in color with shiny black stripes.
racuda. It is a widely caught fish. ing culture, there are many other Below, that is, the belly, is whiter, Picture courtesy of the Department of
It is found throughout the year in names, such as Pecho blanco, Ble- while the top part is darker. Its snout Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
our waters, where it is a so-called kito, Banana, or Bleki. The names is very pointed, and the lower jaw

Aruba’s most family-friendly beaches

(Oranjestad)—One of the atmosphere, there are also big and small families to but you can also rent chairs
biggest concerns that par- several services that may set up their belongings. In and tents. Much like Baby
ents have when travelling accommodate your stay, this area, the shore is also Beach, these sites are one
with their children is a guar- like a parking lot, sun tent shallow, falling right around of the best beaches for
antee of their safety and rentals, chairs, bathrooms your knee before slowly your children to play and
healthy enjoyment. There- and a snack bar right at getting deeper: perfect for build sand castles.
fore, we thought it would the far left of the beach. kids to safely play.
be a great help to travel- Boca Catalina in Malmok
ling parents to list off some Mangel Halto in Eagle Beach/Palm Beach Boca Catalina is a small bay
the most family-friendly Pos Chiquito in the hotel area beach near the Malmok
beaches around the island. Mangel Halto is situated Yet another highly popular beach area further down Palm Island

in the back streets of the beach site, Eagle Beach the hotel areas. Though it Ok, this one is technically
Baby Beach in San Nicolas Pos Chiquito city. Though and Palm Beach is where may not be a very sandy not a beach, but a must-
Baby Beach is one Aruba’s there are several stairs on most of our visitors go to beach, it is relatively quiet visit attraction for family fun.
most popular and visited the sides of the beach cliff tan, swim or play in the and tranquil. This is a great This small water park oasis is
beaches, and for good rea- leading you down, the best white sand. Because they place for family to lay down located further down the
son: This sandy and quiet spot for families to hang are near the low-rise and a big blanket and have a Mangel Halto Beach and
lagoon is a great place for out is across the bridge, high-rise hotel areas, these little picnic. This is also one is reachable by boat. This
parents to sit back and re- passed the mangrove trees beaches are the most ac- of the best places to snor- water park offers 6 hours of
lax while their children play near the entrance sign. cessible for visitors on foot. kel, as this area is filled with fun activities, food, drinks,
in the shallow shores of the Here, there are small and These beaches also offer little fish and corals, even and a chance to see pink
beach. Beside the relaxing big palapas, perfect for many palapas free to use, close to the shore. flamingoes up close! q