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Characidium gomesi

Characidium gomesi

Characidium gomesi© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Characidium gomesi is a tiny freshwater darter native to South American streams, reaching only about 6.5 cm (2.6 in). It frequents shallow, clear waters with sandy or rocky substrates and is more prized by scientists than anglers. Though not a food fish, it can be caught for sport or study due to its lively darting behavior.

Fight
Taste
Inedible/Protected

Basic Information

Family

Crenuchidae

Max Size

6.5 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Spring to early summer (October‑December in the Southern Hemisphere)

Best Time

Dawn and dusk

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Characidium gomesi

  • Use ultralight gear – a 4‑6 ft spinning rod with 2‑4 lb test line.
  • Present the smallest possible bait or micro‑lure; live insect larvae work best.
  • Cast or drift slowly near the substrate and retrieve with a gentle twitch to imitate prey.
  • Keep a fine‑mesh hand net handy to land the fish without damaging it.

Top Fishing Locations for Characidium gomesi

Rio Doce (Minas Gerais)

Brazil
beginner70% Very Common

Clear headwater streams of the Rio Doce basin host healthy populations of Characidium gomesi, making it a prime target for freshwater anglers.

Best: October-March

Rio Paranaíba

Brazil
intermediate60% Common

The Paranaíba tributary offers rocky riffles where Characidium gomesi congregate during their spawning run.

Best: September-February

Rio Uruguay (Concepción del Uruguay)

Argentina
intermediate55% Common

Stretch of the Uruguay River where the current slows near sandbars, providing ideal feeding grounds for Characidium gomesi.

Best: November-March

Rio São Francisco (Upper Basin)

Brazil
expert45% Occasional

Upper reaches of the São Francisco feature deep pools and complex substrate that support a steady presence of Characidium gomesi.

Best: December-April

Rio Paraguay (Near Asunción)

Paraguay
beginner65% Common

Shallow backwaters and submerged vegetation along the Paraguay River attract Characidium gomesi during the wet season.

Best: October-February

Iguazú River (Iguaçu)

Brazil
intermediate50% Common

Sections of the Iguazú River below the falls contain riffles and eddies where Characidium gomesi are frequently found.

Best: November-March

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Characidium gomesi

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, fast action, 4‑6 ft
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro soft‑plastic grubs, tiny jigs, or micro spinners
TechniqueLight drift or slow surface trolling with minimal retrieve

Best bait: Live insect larvae, small aquatic worms, or tiny nymphs