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Tenbarbed banjo

Aspredinichthys tibicen

Tenbarbed banjo© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Tenbarbed banjo (Aspredinichthys tibicen) is a small, flattened catfish native to the coastal rivers and estuaries of northern South America. It lives in sandy or muddy bottoms of freshwater and brackish habitats and is sought by anglers for its subtle bite rather than sport value.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Aspredinidae

Max Size

24.3 cm

Habitat

freshwater, brackish

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Warm rainy season (May-October) when water levels rise and prey activity increases

Best Time

Dusk to early night (19:00-23:00) when the fish are most active near the bottom

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Tenbarbed banjo

  • Use a light 2-4 lb test line to feel subtle bites
  • Fish over soft muddy or sandy bottoms using a slow-sink jig or live bait
  • Work the bait just above the substrate and pause frequently to let the fish locate it
  • Try night fishing with a small lantern to attract insects that the banjo will feed on

Top Fishing Locations for Tenbarbed banjo

Amazon River, near Manaus

Brazil
beginner65% Common

Prime stretch of the Amazon where Tenbarbed Banjo congregates in deep channels and floodplain tributaries, accessible via local charter boats.

Best: June-September

Orinoco Delta, Casiquiare River mouth

Venezuela
intermediate60% Common

Complex maze of waterways in the Orinoco Delta provides abundant benthic habitats favored by the species, best fished by experienced guides.

Best: July-October

Rio Negro, near Barcelos

Brazil
beginner70% Very Common

Blackwater tributary with slow-moving sections and leaf litter where Tenbarbed Banjo hides, reachable from the town of Barcelos.

Best: May-September

Marajó Island Estuaries (Pará River mouth)

Brazil
intermediate50% Common

Brackish estuarine zones around Marajó Island host seasonal aggregations, accessed by 4x4 and boat combos.

Best: April-August

Essequibo River Delta, Kaieteur Falls region

Guyana
expert45% Occasional

Remote coastal lagoon and delta system with rich mud substrates; reaching it requires charter and jungle trekking.

Best: June-October

Upper Orinoco, near Caicara del Orinoco

Colombia
intermediate35% Occasional

Upper reaches with fast-flowing sections and rocky bottoms where the banjo is less abundant but still present during high water.

Best: July-September

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Tenbarbed banjo

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, 5-6 ft, fast action
Line2-4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft plastic jig or spoon, 2-4 cm, silver or natural color
TechniqueBottom drift or slow toss with a gentle lift-retrieve near the substrate

Best bait: Live or cut worms, shrimp pieces, or small minnows