Amazon Peacock Bass Fishing Trips with the World's Leading Authority

Characins - Characidae

Part of the order Characiformes (which contains over 1200 species), most characins that are known as gamefish have distinctive teeth. Characidae comprise a large family within Characiformes, restricted to the tropics and subtropics of Africa, South and Central America. Recently, taxonomists have redivided the Order from 16 to 13 families.

Characins include a wide range of species such as piranhas, tetras, copeinas, tigerfish, trairas and payara. Many of the most popular aquarium fishes are characins. They are mostly egg-scatterers. Many species breed in group spawnings, leaving the eggs and young behind to fend for themselves.

Dorado display brilliant golden coloration.

Their sharp teeth and powerful jaws make wire leaders a must

Flyfishing for big, golden dorado in crystal clear waters is a fishing experience not be missed

Freshwater dorado (Salminus brasilensis and S. hilarii) are a distinct migratory gamefish not to be confused with the saltwater dolphin fish or mahi mahi (which is also called 'el dorado' in many Spanish-speaking countries). Physically, the freshwater dorado is best described as a prehistoric golden trout or salmon with the jaws of a pit bull terrier. Although currently renamed, ichthyologists had appropriately given the southern species of dorado the Latin name, Salminus maxillosus. Salminus, meaning trout-like, and maxillosus referring to the fish's immensely-powerful jaws. Dorado are hard-hitting, incredibly-strong, acrobatic fighters that attain weights in excess of 30-pounds. They are, in short, South America's hyped-up version of a 'tropical trout.' Dorado are commonly found throughout a massive watershed between southern Brazil/Bolivia and Northern Argentina. Incredibly, freshwater dorado remain a relatively little-known gamefish outside of South America.

Conventional gear for big dorado is virtually the same as that described in the trophy peacock bass section, although a wire leader is essential. Dorado are usually not surface oriented fish, so medium jerk baits, Rattle Trap-type lures, spoons and jigs are most productive. Dorado are fished with an 8-9-weight fly rod and either a 200-grain, 24-foot sink tip line or a full floating line depending upon water conditions. A heavy steel leader is a must, as these fish will chew through mono like it is sewing thread! Dorado take a variety of streamers, sliders and even Atlantic salmon-style Bombers during ideal conditions (all on 4/0 heavy, long shank hooks). Northern Argentina, Paraguay, Southern Brazil and Bolivia have the strongest populations of dorado.

The bocón or yatorana (Holobrycon pesu) is a close relative of the dorado. They are a migratory, fast water fish found throughout the Amazon basin. Bocón live and behave almost exactly like the dorado, but do not reach the latter's size, so they can be fished on slightly lighter tackle. Bolivia has large populations of these fish.

Matrincha
Typically between 1 and 3 pounds in weight, some populations can reach 5 to 10 pounds. These are generally called Mamori by the locals and may be a different species altogether.

Dorado are acrobatic fighters.

and will fight powerfully on fly or conventional tackle.

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Yatorana, called bocón in Colombia and Venezuela, jump and fight like dorado and run in schools, so once you're into them the action is fast and furious. Yatorana can grow upwards of 15-pounds. This is all the fish you'd want to tangle with on light tackle.

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Matrinchá (Brycon falcatus) are a very close cousin to the bocón (they look very similar). This fish has an affinity for small baitfish and terrestrial insects and can be taken on small spoons, jigs, and jerk baits or small streamers and ant and beetle imitations in fast water (just like trout fishing). The matrinchã's range seems to be concentrated in the Brazilian Amazon.

Matrinchá are fierce fighters on light tackle. They strike baits at high speed and continue moving right through the drag. Within seconds they're out of the water and flying through the air. Younger specimens of matrinchá seem to have more brightly marked tail and dorsal fins. These highlights fade and ultimately disappear in older specimens.