Cyphocharax spilotus
Cyphocharax spilotus
Cyphocharax spilotus is a small tropical freshwater catfish native to the Amazon basin. It grows to about 10.4 cm and is popular among hobbyists rather than sport anglers, often caught incidentally while targeting other species.
Basic Information
Family
Curimatidae
Max Size
10.4 cm
Habitat
freshwater
Climate
tropical
Best Season
Rainy season (November‑April) when water levels rise and fish are more active
Best Time
Dawn, dusk, and night
Distribution
No distribution map available
Fishing Tips for Cyphocharax spilotus
- Use a light‑action spin rod about 5‑6 ft long
- Select a 2‑4 lb test line to feel subtle bites
- Employ tiny live baits such as mosquito larvae or small shrimp
- Drift slowly over soft‑mud bottoms and keep the hook near the substrate
Top Fishing Locations for Cyphocharax spilotus
Rio Negro (Manaus)
BrazilClearwater stretch of the Rio Negro near Manaus teeming with Cyphocharax spilotus during the low-water season.
Best: June-September
Orinoco Casiquiare Junction
VenezuelaEcotone where the Orinoco meets the Casiquiare, offering abundant headstanders in complex riverine habitats.
Best: March-May
Upper Amazon near Iquitos
PeruUpper Amazon floodplain channels around Iquitos host dense schools of Cyphocharax spilotus during the rainy peak.
Best: November-February
Lake Titicaca Shoreline
Peru/BoliviaHigh‑altitude lake margins where the species gathers in shallow vegetated bays during the summer warm spell.
Best: December-February
Pantanal Floodplain (Rio Paraguay)
ParaguaySeasonally flooded grasslands of the Paraguay River in the Pantanal provide ideal cover for this catfish.
Best: August-October
Maroni River Basin
French GuianaRemote tributaries of the Maroni host strong populations of Cyphocharax spilotus in pristine rainforest streams.
Best: May-July
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Cyphocharax spilotus
Recommended Equipment
Best bait: Live mosquito larvae, tiny shrimp, or small worm piece