Loading map...
♥ Donate

Pyrrhulina obermulleri

Pyrrhulina obermulleri

Pyrrhulina obermulleri© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Pyrrhulina obermulleri is a diminutive freshwater tetra native to South American rivers, reaching only about 6 cm in length. Anglers target it for its vibrant colors and as a beginner’s catch in lightweight fly and bait‑fishing setups. Though not prized for food, it provides a fun, fast‑moving target for light‑tackle enthusiasts.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Lebiasinidae

Max Size

6 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Year‑round, with a slight peak during the rainy season (spring to early summer)

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Pyrrhulina obermulleri

  • Use ultra‑light gear (1‑2 lb test line) to feel the subtle takes.
  • Present live micro‑bait such as daphnia or newly hatched brine shrimp near the surface.
  • Slowly retrieve tiny soft‑plastic jigs or micro‑spoon lures to mimic small insects.
  • Target areas with overhanging vegetation or submerged roots where schools hide.

Top Fishing Locations for Pyrrhulina obermulleri

Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve

Brazil
intermediate80% Very Common

Protected floodplain in the Amazon where Pyrrhulina obermulleri thrives among submerged vegetation and black‑water channels.

Best: June-October

Rio Negro (near Manaus)

Brazil
beginner85% Very Common

Slow‑moving black‑water stretch of the Rio Negro offers abundant surface vegetation ideal for the species.

Best: August-December

Madre de Dios Basin, Upper Amazon

Peru
expert65% Common

Remote tributaries with clear waters and leaf‑litter habitats where the fish is abundant but access is limited.

Best: March-May

Casiquiare River (Orinoco Basin)

Venezuela
intermediate70% Very Common

A natural canal linking the Orinoco and Amazon basins; the mixed water types create perfect feeding grounds.

Best: April-June

Pantanal Wetlands (Corumbá Region)

Brazil
beginner78% Very Common

Seasonally flooded savanna lakes with dense macrophyte mats where the species forms large shoals.

Best: September-November

Lake Yavari (Amazonas–Loreto border)

Peru
expert60% Common

High‑altitude lake at the Brazil‑Peru border; clear, oxygen‑rich waters host healthy populations during the rainy season.

Best: November-February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Pyrrhulina obermulleri

Recommended Equipment

RodMicro‑spinning or ultralight fly rod, 4‑5 ft, fast action
Line1‑2 lb test monofilament or 0.2‑0.4 lb fluorocarbon
Lure TypeTiny soft‑plastic micro‑jigs, micro‑spoons, or size 0‑1 dry flies
TechniqueLightweight casting or delicate fly presentation near surface vegetation

Best bait: Live daphnia, newly hatched brine shrimp, or micro‑worms