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Characidium bimaculatum

Characidium bimaculatum

Characidium bimaculatum© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Characidium bimaculatum is a small, slender freshwater darter native to South American streams. At a maximum length of just 6.7 cm, it is prized by fly and ultralight anglers for its fast, darting runs along the bottom.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Crenuchidae

Max Size

6.7 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Warm months (spring to early fall), especially during the rainy season when insects are abundant

Best Time

Early morning or late evening when surface activity increases

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Characidium bimaculatum

  • Use a nano‑size hook (size 12‑14) to match the fish’s tiny mouth
  • Present the bait just above the substrate where the fish holds, especially over clean gravel or sand
  • Fish slow and keep a tight line; a light tap on the rod tip signals a bite
  • Target shallow riffle sections during low light periods for best activity

Top Fishing Locations for Characidium bimaculatum

Rio Negro (Upper)

Brazil
beginner70% Very Common

Clear blackwater stretch of the Rio Negro where Characidium bimaculatum thrives among submerged leaf litter.

Best: June-August

Upper Orinoco River

Venezuela
intermediate55% Common

Fast‑flowing riffles of the Upper Orinoco host abundant Characidium populations on rocky substrates.

Best: March-May

Essequibo Tributary (Kabalebo)

Suriname
intermediate60% Common

Remote tributary with clear water and abundant insect life, ideal for targeting this small benthic species.

Best: September-November

Rio São Francisco (Upper)

Brazil
beginner65% Common

Shallow, sandy‑gravel runs in the upper São Francisco provide excellent cover for Characidium bimaculatum.

Best: December-February

Sierra Madre Occidental Streams

Mexico
expert40% Occasional

High‑altitude streams with cold, clear water; access is limited, making it a bucket‑list spot for dedicated anglers.

Best: May-July

Rio Madre de Dios (Upper)

Peru
intermediate75% Very Common

Upper reaches of the Madre de Dios feature rocky bottoms and abundant leaf litter, perfect habitat for this species.

Best: November-January

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Characidium bimaculatum

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning or fly rod, 2‑4 lb test, fast action
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or light fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall micro jigs, soft plastic grubs, or tiny nymph patterns; N/A if using live bait
TechniqueBottom bouncing with a light jig or fly casting small nymphs over riffles

Best bait: Live mosquito larvae, tiny daphnia, or micro worms