On the Collection of Apistogramma in the Wild

[Taka Apisto]

It has been a while since I last spoke with everyone.
I’m planning to travel from Japan to Colombia in the near future to conduct field research and collect Apistogramma in their natural habitats. However, I’m a complete beginner when it comes to traveling in South America or doing fieldwork, so I would be very grateful if the experts here could share any important precautions or recommend an appropriate travel plan.I understand the risks involved, but my main targets are the Meta River basin and the Guaviare River basin. If possible, I would also like to consider the Vaupés and Apaporis River basins, although I’ve heard that the security situation there is quite dangerous, so I may have to avoid them.

 

[rasmusW]

Sadly i can’t help you or give any good advice. All I can say is best of luck. I hope you get to do the trip and post pictures here once you are back.

-r

 

[Ttw]

Some questions
!. Do you or someone you will be with speak Spanish?
2. How will you be getting around?
3. Are you planning to bring the fish you collect back to Japan and if so how?
4. How will you be keeping the fish as you travel in Colombia?

 

[Frank Hättich]

I would contact Daniel Mejia.

 

[MacZ]

Do you or someone you will be with speak Spanish?

Absolutely agree, this is vital!

 

[Taka Apisto]

Some questions
!. Do you or someone you will be with speak Spanish?
2. How will you be getting around?
3. Are you planning to bring the fish you collect back to Japan and if so how?
4. How will you be keeping the fish as you travel in Colombia?

Thank you very much for your questions.
Although my travel plans are not yet fully decided, my current situation is as follows:

1. Do you or someone you will be with speak Spanish?
At the moment, I do not speak Spanish. My native language is Japanese, and English is my second language. I plan to study Spanish over the next year, but I believe it will still be difficult for me to reach a level where I can communicate smoothly in the field.

2. How will you be getting around?
I am considering both land and air travel, depending on the region and the advice I receive from experienced collectors.

3. Are you planning to bring the fish you collect back to Japan, and if so, how?
If possible, I would like to send the collected fish to experts in Japan and other countries. However, I currently do not have any connections with local shippers, so I am unsure how to handle the export process.

4. How will you be keeping the fish as you travel in Colombia?
I have no experience with this aspect either, so I would greatly appreciate any recommendations on the best methods for keeping fish healthy during travel in Colombia.

 

[Taka Apisto]

I would contact Daniel Mejia.

I really appreciate it, Frank.
To be honest, the team I would most like to join is yours — including Daniel.