Lake Nicaragua: description of the reservoir. Lake Nicaragua and its scary inhabitants. Beware of freshwater sharks What sharks are found in Nicaragua
Hello friends! Today again about Nicaragua. I am sure that after my exciting stories about this mysterious country, you are already actively storming search engines in the hope of snatching cheap air ticket to Managua (the capital of Nicaragua)! :))) I continue to write about what to do in the poorest country in Central America. In the last post I already started a story about the main attraction of Nicaragua, told about the ferry to Ometepe, the Maderas and Concepcion volcanoes, how to rent a scooter there, find accommodation and about the main cities, and today I’ll tell you about island beaches, Lake Nicaragua and bull shark.
Ometepe Island is located in Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in the world by area. Latin America. Initially, they wanted to build a canal connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Atlantic not in Panama, but on the territory of Nicaragua, because the Nicaraguan lake is already connected to Caribbean Sea river San Juan, but due to strong volcanic activity, the idea of construction remained just an idea, but it is fully functioning and earning money for its country, and at the same time for the United States of America. True, the Panamanians have been struggling lately, so talk about building a new canal across Lake Nicaragua is popping up more and more often. 
Lake Nicaragua is also notable for the fact that it is home to one of the most dangerous animals in the world - the bull shark. This type of shark is considered the most bloodthirsty because it can attack a person near the shore, even at a depth of half a meter. This is the only shark species that lives in fresh water. The fact is that Lake Nicaragua was previously part of Pacific Ocean, but due to constant earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, an isthmus of land was formed, cutting off the modern territory of the lake from the sea. Over time, the water became fresher thanks to the flowing rivers, and the sharks got used to the new conditions and lived happily there. 
The Indians of Nicaragua are to blame for the fact that animals bite people, who since ancient times have sacrificed corpses on the Caribbean coast, thereby attracting sharks. Over time, the bull shark moved deeper into the San Juan River and took root in the lake. Even today, few people visit the Indians living on the Caribbean coast, so it is possible that they continue to throw someone's corpses into the water, because new sharks continue to swim from the Caribbean Sea into Lake Nicaragua.
I found a video on YouTube. The bull shark (tiburón in Spanish) appears at 50 seconds.
The animals, poor fellows, do not know that they are being hunted, and the country's government strongly encourages the fishing of bull sharks in Lake Nicaragua. Despite the fact that the main cases of shark attacks on people are recorded off the coast, the residents of Nicaragua are not at all embarrassed by this, and every evening they come to swim in the lake before sunset. 
One day on Ometepe we rented bikes for half a day for $4 and went to the beach Punta Jesus Maria(Punta Jesus Maria), which is in the south of the big city on the island- Moyogalpa, drink beer and splash around in the lake. The distance of 4 km is covered easily and with song, the road is excellent, paved, along the way there are fields with sugar cane, green palm trees, cicadas chirp so much that your ears are blocked. 
Nothing worked out for me with splashing around in the lake, the water was not at all clear, and I was afraid of bull sharks, so I decided to wait for the ocean - in a couple of days we planned to be in Pacifica. 
I liked the beach - black sand mixed with shells, a view of Volcano Concepción.
During the dry season, the lake is separated by a strip of sand a couple of meters wide. You walk along it, and on both sides there is water and waves. An amazing feeling, as if the water was parting in front of you. 
A turtle washed up on the shore, and then did not move for several hours: it did not run on land and did not return to the lake. Most likely, like me, I was afraid of sharks. So she and I sat on the beach until evening. 
Right next to the beach, in a kiosk you can buy beer, rum and other drinks to make your time more fun. 
Drinking alcohol on the beach is allowed, this is not Mexico. In Nicaragua, in principle, many things are allowed. 
On the way to Punta Jesus Maria beach you can see construction new road. It looks a lot like a future airport. 
I wrote about renting bicycles and motorcycles on Ometepe in my previous post. In the next article I’ll tell you how to look 10 years younger in 5 minutes and what you should be more afraid of on Ometepe than bull sharks.
Good animals to you! Sincerely,
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Tatiana
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Konstantin
Konstantin
Konstantin
- It has tectonic origin
- The area of the lake is 8,264 square meters
- Width 68km
- Length 177km
- Lake volume 108 km 3
- The lake is located 32 meters above sea level
- Maximum depth 50 meters, average depth 13m
- The climate is tropical
- Average annual precipitation 900 - 1,200mm
- Average annual temperature +30 0 C
- In the 16th-17th centuries, many islands in Lake Nicaragua served as a convenient refuge for pirates. Because of them, local residents had to move away from the shores of the lake to the mountains, to the foothills of the volcanoes.
- IN late XIX century, when the construction of a canal capable of connecting the Pacific oceans with the Atlantic was started, it was initially planned to build it in the area of Lake Nicaragua. There is a story that opponents of this project allegedly sent letters to the prospective investor in stamped envelopes that depicted a volcano near Lake Nicaragua. And perspective volcanic eruptions frightened the recipients so much that in the end it was decided to build the canal on the Isthmus of Panama. However, the idea of building another canal in Nicaragua was periodically returned to. Since December 22, 2014, work has been underway on its construction.
Tatiana
Konstantin
Tatiana
Tatiana
Dmitriy
Lake Nicaragua is the largest freshwater body of water in all of Latin America.
Around it is one of the Central American states, which bears the same name as the lake - Nicaragua. South of the lake is another Central American country, Costa Rica.
Lake Nicaragua on the map
Characteristics of Lake Nicaragua
The emergence of the lake
According to scientists, this lake arose on the site of the Pacific Gulf. In the distant past, this bay was isolated from the ocean as a result of tectonic processes and volcanic activity.
Lake Nicaragua photo
Numerous freshwater rivers flowing into it displaced the salty sea water. Many of the local animals are completely unique and are not found in other fresh water bodies.
Fish
Fishes found in Lake Nicaragua:
Most of the fish in Lake Nicaragua are predators. There are also numerous small aquarium fish that are distinguished by their exquisite beauty. They are in great demand and popularity among aquarists.
Sharks of Lake Nicaragua
Lake Nicaragua is famous for its freshwater sharks. They come in two types, and Nicaraguans call them visitantes and tintoreros. Both of them are bull sharks, but the visitants, distinguished by their white bellies, swim from the ocean and are not permanent residents of the lake. They are viviparous.
Lake Nicaragua. shark photo
Lake Nicaragua. toucan on the island photo
Climate
Lake Nicaragua. islands photo
During the rainy season, which lasts from May to October, the water level in the lake rises significantly. And during the dry season from December to April it decreases noticeably.
Rivers
There are many streams and rivers flowing around the lake. The San Juan River flows to the east from Lake Nicaragua. It is navigable and connects the lake with the Atlantic. To the northwest of Lake Nicaragua there is another freshwater lake - Managua. (The capital of the Republic of Nicaragua bears the same name).
The Tipitapa River, wide and deep, flows from Lake Managua into Lake Nicaragua. It flows from Lake Nicaragua San Juan and flows into the Caribbean Sea.
Attractions
Actually big island The lake, which is called Ometepe, is dominated by a pair of volcanoes, Maderas and Concepcien. The name of the island is translated from the Indian language and means “two mountains”. On this, as well as on some other islands, there are monuments dating back to pre-Columbian times. These include rock paintings with images of animals and birds.
Lake Nicaragua. Ometepe island and volcanoes photo
In addition, on the island of Ometepe there are stone idols installed in burial places. Since 2010, a biosphere reserve has been established on Ometele Island. It is home to a significant number of rare representatives of flora and fauna, in particular spider monkeys. Another nature reserve created on the Solentinam Islands.
Lake Nicaragua is the largest in Central America. On the American continent it ranks 9th, slightly inferior in size to Lake Titicaca. In the world it ranks 19th among the largest lakes on the planet. The area of its water surface is 8264 square meters. km. The volume of water is 108 cubic meters. km. The maximum depth is 26 meters. The maximum length of the reservoir is 161 km, and the corresponding width is 71 km. It is located at an altitude of 32.7 meters above sea level. Connected by the San Juan River (length 180 km) with the Caribbean Sea. It is also connected to Lake Managua (area 1024 sq. m), located to the northwest, by the Tipitapa River.
Fauna
A notable feature of the freshwater reservoir is that it is home to Atlantic tarpon and sharks. These are marine fish that live in salt water. From time immemorial, they entered the lake along the San Juan River. In those days, it was blocked by numerous rapids, but the same sharks jumped over them like salmon and fell from the Atlantic into the lake water. The conversation here is about a type of cartilaginous fish such as the bull shark. It is common for her to spend part of her time in fresh water. An example is the Amazon River. Bull sharks travel thousands of kilometers upstream in this mighty water current.
Experts studied the movement of sharks and found that they travel from Atlantic waters to lake water in 7-10 days. In addition to cartilaginous species, 16 species of cichlids, which are endemic, live in the reservoir. In addition, there are other types of cichlids, which include tilapia. However, alien species pose a threat to the indigenous inhabitants of the local waters, as they disrupt the precise balance of the unique ecosystem.
Islands
There is a whole group of islands on Lake Nicaragua. These are Ometepe and Solentiname. Ometepe is an island with an area of 276 square meters. km. It was created by two volcanoes: Concepcion (height 1610 m) and Maderas (height 1394 m). These volcanoes erupted and formed mountains with an isthmus between them. The length of the volcanic island is 31 km, the width varies from 5 to 10 km. Agriculture and livestock farming are developed on the island. The basis is the cultivation of bananas. This piece of land is inhabited by almost 30 thousand people. Besides this there is volcanic island Zapatera. This shield volcano. People don't live on it.
As for Solentiname, it is an archipelago that includes 4 big islands and 32 small islands with rocky shores. All of them are of volcanic origin. total area equal to 190 sq. km. Large islands called: La Venada, Mancaron, Mancaroncito, San Fernando. The most high point, 257 meters above sea level, is located on the island of Mancaron. Islands covered tropical forest. It is home to 76 species of various birds, including parrots and toucans. The water is rich in fish. 1000 people live on the islands.
Lake Nicaragua on a map of Central America
Ecology
Strong easterly winds blowing towards the Pacific Ocean are not uncommon on the reservoir. This not only gives rise to high waves, but also powerful storms. As for ecology, Lake Nicaragua has become heavily polluted over the past 40 years. 32 tons of polluted wastewater flows into it every day. All this is due to the fact that there are many industrial enterprises on the banks of the reservoir. As for treatment facilities, they are practically never built.
Shipping
In the northwestern part of the lake is the city of Granada, which is seaport. From the Caribbean Sea, ships enter the reservoir along the San Juan River. Currently, these waters are planned to be used for the construction of the Nicaraguan Canal, which will significantly relieve the congestion of the Panama Canal.
There are so many unexplored corners on our planet, where nature presents unexpected gifts, captivates and impresses! And if you just think about the fact that almost 90% of reservoirs have not been explored at all, it becomes even a little scary. What do the azure depths conceal? For example, Lake Nicaragua?
"Sweet Sea"
Locals They are accustomed to the proximity of their lake and have not thought about its secrets for a long time. They call it the "sweet sea." I wonder why? Because of the sweetness of fresh water? Or the vastness of its edges? The population of Granada calls the reservoir Lake Granada, but the rest of the planet knows only Lake Nicaragua, or Lago de Nicaragua. It is one of the largest bodies of water in the world and the only source of fresh water in all of Latin America. The dimensions are impressive, the view is beautiful, but the unusual inhabitants make you nervous. Only here you can see sea creatures, despite the fact that it is a lake. Scientists believe that the presence of ichthyofauna in the lake clearly proves the fact that Nicaragua was previously part of the Pacific Gulf. Why has everything changed?
After a volcanic eruption
It turns out that previously the reservoir was open, but tectonic changes and numerous volcanic eruptions provoked the flow of lava into the strait. So, part of the ocean separated and turned into an inland body of water, separating the inhabitants from the outside world. Slowly but surely they were being displaced by freshwater streams, but you can’t evict them that easily. Gradually they had to adapt to new conditions. Among these opportunists were sharks. By the way, the existence of the latter has not yet been practically proven, since their adaptation to fresh water is very doubtful. Some doubt that there are sharks in Lake Nicaragua, citing the fact that accidentally encountered marine predators come here from the ocean, leaving behind a distance of 200 km and traveling along the San Juan River. Then there is another question - what attracts sharks here?
A mystery for all time
The freshwater shark of Lake Nicaragua haunts scientists around the world with its habitat, but the Indians can answer this question. They believe that sharks “paved a path” into the lake many centuries ago, and the reason was the ancient ritual of burying the dead in water. The bodies floated into the ocean and became prey for predators. So, sharks got used to the taste of human meat and did not want to give up such a “diet”. Now they do not feel fear when swimming in shallow water, where it is easier to attack victims. The problem became more and more complicated every year, which became the reason for the introduction of extreme measures to destroy toothy fish.
Paradise for tourists
Lake Nicaragua has long been a tourist destination. Moreover, they are not even afraid of the threat of being bitten. Adults and even children boldly climb into the water, albeit in compliance with certain safety measures. For example, you cannot be distracted and forget about the threat. You should not swim with an open wound or during menstruation. In short, if you are tempted by the opportunity to dive into Nicaragua (lake), sharks will not be a serious obstacle. Tourists come to the town of Granada, which is located next to the reservoir. This is an amazingly atmospheric place that attracts walks and adventures. By the way, the walk will not be tiring, because the town is very small. IN central park you can try the famous Nicaraguan dish Vigoron, and there are carriages with excursions to the lake. The trip will take no more than twenty minutes. Lake Nicaragua beckons with its magic. It is one of the twenty largest lakes in the world.
Educational excursion
If you come to Lake Nicaragua with a large group, it is profitable to rent a separate boat for an hour or more. The rental price is symbolic - only $13, but you will have to bargain, since at first the price is unacceptably inflated. The islands near Granada were bought by local rich people. These are mainly summer residences, since the islands are simply tiny and are unlikely to accommodate more than one house. It turns out that one island is one villa. Some of them can be rented for the weekend, and for big company or several families. The amount is also very pleasant - $300 for a house for the weekend. There are many monkeys in some lands. They are almost not afraid of people, but they also do not pay much attention - only 3-4 individuals come to feed. In general, walks around the islands are educational and interesting. There are unusual and bright ones, similar to which they slowly and importantly walk along the ground, sweeping it with their tails.
Now it’s time to turn our attention directly to Lake Nicaragua.
Description of the reservoir: its charms and beauty
Beautiful picture - water surface, resembling a mirror. It has amazingly clean air and the largest reserves of fresh water in Latin America. The maximum depth of the lake reaches 70 meters, and its area is almost 8600 square meters. By the way, the border with Costa Rica passes here. The lake is connected to the Caribbean Sea by the San Juan River, and fresh water flows from many rivers and streams. The deepest is the Tipitapa River, which flows from Lake Managua. Scientists believe that the reservoir appeared on the site of the ancient Pacific Gulf. Now the bay has been transformed, but the connection with the past remains. It manifests itself in the unique inhabitants of the reservoir, which are called sharks of Nicaragua. These cannot be found anywhere else, because this individual is a close relative of the gray
Scary visions
The legendary bull shark can be a truly shocking sight. Even without seeing her, but only after hearing the stories, you can give free rein to your imagination. This type is also distinguished by its ease of adaptation to desalinated water and can hide for a long time in river mouths. The size of such a “toothy” is simply indecent, and the danger to humans is serious. They say that they are not indigenous, but swam here and were unable to swim away after the volcanic eruption. Many scientists actively object to this position, saying that the bull shark can jump the San Juan River rapids, like salmon. To prove their assumptions, they cite the presence of a shark of this type in the open ocean. It was even found that the voyage of sharks from the lake to the sea and back can take from a week to 11 days. This is how scary Lake Nicaragua can be, and the bull shark is found there quite often, if you believe the stories of local residents.
Ecology and problems
In general, the lake remains a unique body of water, but its location causes some concern among environmentalists, because it is polluted by wastewater from nearby industrial plants. According to statistics, over the past 37 years, at least 30 tons of untreated sewage entered the lake every day. Marine fauna and the flora of the reservoir is very diverse. Water lilies bloom here and fish swim, which are more likely to live in salty waters. These include sawfish, herring, tarpon and even sawfish.
A process of self-purification occurs in the lake, and all the dirt from the wastewater that enters the water disappears. The reservoir has its own special character: in the east the water is calm and quiet, but in the west the influence of the trade winds manifests itself, and there are constant strong ripples. Powerful storms are not uncommon.
Not all islands on the lake are inhabited. The largest was formed on the basis of two volcanoes, which is reflected in the name - Ometepe (“ome” - two, “tepe” - mountain). In 2010, the territory of this island was recognized biosphere reserve. In the west there is also a third volcano - Mombacho. In general, volcanoes on the lake caused ash contamination.
The population here is represented mainly by mestizos. These are the descendants of the Indians who lived here in ancient times. They are mainly engaged in agriculture - they grow coffee, bananas and cocoa. Some of the plantations are located on islands where the ground is covered with volcanic ash, which, by the way, is very useful for crops.
Helmet-bearing basilisks crawl along the banks. These are large lizards that run on their hind legs and can walk on water. It turns out that Lake Nicaragua and its scary inhabitants may be quite cute.
On the island of Solentiname there are rocks with ancient drawings. There are almost a hundred species of parrots and toucans on the local islands.
It feels like paradise, but even paradise had its difficulties. So what can you expect from the earth?
Lake Nicaragua is located on the territory of the Latin American country of the same name. It is a large freshwater lake and has a tectonic origin. Area of Lake Nicaragua is 8624 square kilometers, and is the largest in size, ranking 20th among the world's lakes. Lake Nicaragua is the only freshwater lake in the world where sharks are found reaching a length of 3 meters. Due to the fact that the lake is located near the Pacific Ocean, scientists believe that the lake was previously located on the site of a large sea bay, which explains the presence of sharks in the lake. 
It is still not clear how sharks adapted to fresh water. Currently, shark fishing championships are regularly held on the lake, and environmentalists fear that sharks are in danger of complete extinction. Locals call the lake Lago Cocibolca or Mar Dulce, which means “sweet sea”. On Lake Nicaragua There are a number of large groups of islands, including Solentiname and Ometepe, which is popular among tourists due to the fact that it contains two volcanoes. Periodically, strong storms occur on the lake; Nicaragua is connected by the San Juan River with, turning the city of Granada into an Atlantic port.
In the language of the Indians inhabiting these lands, Michigan means " big lake", it is located in North America, is located in the United States and is part of the Great Lakes system of North America. Lake Michigan is located at an altitude of 177 meters above sea level. Its area is 58,000 square kilometers, its greatest depth is 281 meters. Michigan is connected to Lake Huron by the Straits of Mackinac [...]