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Creagrutus melasma

Creagrutus melasma

Creagrutus melasma© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Creagrutus melasma is a tiny characin native to South American freshwater streams. It grows to only about 4.5 cm and is sought mainly by hobbyists and researchers rather than sport anglers. Its small size and delicate flesh make it unsuitable for eating.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Stevardiidae

Max Size

4.5 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

tropical

Best Season

May‑September (rainy season) when water levels rise and insects are abundant

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Creagrutus melasma

  • Use an ultralight 0.5‑1 m rod with a light action
  • Tie a 2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line
  • Present micro‑jigs, tiny soft plastics, or live mosquito larvae under a float
  • Fish slowly drifting over riffles or cast near overhanging vegetation where insects fall into the water

Top Fishing Locations for Creagrutus melasma

Rio Negro (Manaus Region)

Brazil
beginner70% Very Common

Large blackwater stretch near Manaus teeming with Creagrutus melasma in its floodplain channels; easy access via city boat tours.

Best: June‑August (low water season)

Upper Amazon River near Iquitos

Peru
intermediate55% Common

Clearwater tributaries of the Amazon around Iquitos host abundant schools of Creagrutus melasma; reachable from local ports.

Best: September‑November (rising water)

Xingu River, Lower Basin

Brazil
intermediate45% Occasional

Fast‑flowing rapids and sandy bottoms of the Xingu provide prime habitat; requires moderate skill to navigate currents.

Best: December‑February (dry season)

Madeira River, Rondônia

Brazil
beginner65% Common

Wide, slow‑moving sections of the Madeira near Porto Velho are known for consistent Creagrutus melasma populations; excellent for beginners.

Best: March‑May (early flood)

Casiquiare River (Orinoco tributary)

Venezuela
expert30% Occasional

Remote blackwater channel linking the Orinoco and Amazon basins; challenging access but yields high reward catches.

Best: April‑June (mid‑season)

Headwaters of Rio Jari

Brazil
expert20% Uncommon

Isolated headwater streams in the Jari basin are a bucket‑list destination for purists seeking wild Creagrutus melasma populations.

Best: July‑September (low water)

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Creagrutus melasma

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, 0.5‑1 m, light action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro‑jig or tiny soft plastic bait; live mosquito larvae
TechniqueFloat fishing or slow drift with light jig

Best bait: Live mosquito larvae or tiny nymphs