Page 9 - AHATA

a8 local
Thursday 31 OcTOber 2024

Planning on snorkeling? Get to know our Candelchi!

when we say candelchi, di clabo" (nail barrel) for
we mean several different that reason.
species but without dis-
tinguishing them by spe- In our waters, there are 7 to
cies. In this picture, we are 8 types or species present
showing the most common and they are sometimes
one in our waters, which is caught and seen occa-
called squirrelfish in English sionally. They can be distin-
or scientifically known as guished by different marks
Holocentrus adscensionis. such as color on the dorsal
spine or marks on the body.
Under candelchi, we in Aru-
ba generally refer to all the In Aruba:
different species of squir- Candelchi are found on
relfish. They all look alike reefs or areas with structure
and it's really difficult to dis- in the water where they
tinguish between them. can hide. Although they
prefer to hunt for food at
The squirrelfish family is dis- night, they are also active
tinguished by the following during the day. They are
characteristics. They are edible and delicious when
heart-shaped with pink or prepared dry and crispy
red hues and often show with lime. It is particularly
heart-shaped streaks be- challenging to scale the
tween the scales along fish, which is why it is not
the body. They have hard one of the favorites among
fins and are always armed. fishermen. They often live in
(Oranjestad)—If you’re of fish. Do you know your to the entire squirrelfish Over at our sister island Cu- groups.q
ever planning on snorkel- fish? The Department of family or, as some say, raçao, they are called "bari
ing during your vacation Department of Agriculture,
on Aruba, you may spot Livestock, and Fisheries,
fish that you can’t recog- known as Santa Rosa, of- Dining in? Try making a local favorite
nize. One of these may fers this informative article
be the “Candelchi” (Squir- that illustrate some fish and How to make “pan bati”
relfish), a common, yet shy their names in Papiamento.
fish that swims all year long (Oranjestad)—If you’re ever up for an Aru-
in the waters of Aruba. Candelchi, Squirrelfish, Ho- ban snack, try making another Aruban
locentrus adscensionis: classic appetizer called Pan Bati. Similar
Let's talk about the names Candelchi actually refers to a pancake both in appearance and
cooking, this is a super easy meal that
adults and children will both enjoy. Here’s
how to make it!

Ingredients:
2 cups of all purpose flour
1 cup grams of fine cornmeal (we recom-
mend the Harina PAN brand)
2 tbsp baking powder
1 1/3 cup of milk
1 pinch of salt In a hot pan with oil, pour in enough batter
2 tbsp of granulated sugar to cover the bottom of the pan. Just like
Oil for cooking pancakes, flip the pan bati when one side
turns golden brown. When your pan bati is
Instructions: ready, place on a plate and cover with a
Add all the dry ingredients in a bowl first, clean kitchen towel.
and stir until well mixed. Then add the milk
and beat until reached a pancake-like Traditionally, pan bati is cut in triangle
consistency. If more moister is needed, pieces, and is often eaten as a side dish
add some water until reached desired with soup, fried fish or stews. However, it
consistency. is also casually enjoyed with some butter
and cheese on top! q