Branquinhas

Length Category:  Small (<40 cm)

Trophic Level:  Detritivores

Migratory Pattern:  Medium distance (100-1,000 km)

Spawning Period:  Rising

Export Market:  Regional (in Amazon)

Market Status:  Third class

Catch Distribution:

Branquinha potential yield was estimated to be approximately 6,200 tons. The Peruvian Amazon region (77%) accounts for most of the catch, followed by the Central Amazon (13%) and Tocantins (5%) regions.

Natural History Notes:

Branquinha species include several genera and species. The most exploited species are Curimata vittata, Potamorhina latior, Potamorhina altamazonica and Potamorhina pristigaster. All are detritivores and migratory. Many fishermen believe that they represent the largest biomass of any commercial fish group in Amazonian waters.