Matrinxãs

Length Category:  Medium (40-60 cm)

Trophic Level:  Omnivores

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

Spawning Period:  Rising

Export Market:  Regional (in Amazon)

Market Status:  First class

Catch Distribution:

Matrinchã potential yield was estimated at 6,040 tons. The Central Amazon region accounts for 74% of the total, followed by the Brazilian-Colombian-Peruvian Border (8%), Tocantins (7%), Madeira (6%) and Peruvian Amazon (3%) regions.

Natural History Notes:

The two matrinxã species (Brycon amazonicus and B. cephalus) are both omnivores when adults with a preference for fruits and seeds. Adults are most abundant in blackwater and clearwater tributaries whereas young fish are confined to whitewater floodplains. Both species are also migratory and captured by fishing during spawning and dispersal migrations. During the low water period they often migrate to the lower courses of terra firme streams where they remain in pools.