Characidium boehlkei
Characidium boehlkei is a tiny South‑American characid, reaching only about 7 cm. It inhabits fast‑flowing clear streams and is prized by micro‑anglers for its delicate appearance. Though not a food fish, it offers a fun challenge for ultra‑light tackle.
Family
Crenuchidae
Max Size
7 cm
Habitat
freshwater
Climate
tropical
Best Season
Year‑round, with peak activity in the rainy season (May‑July)
Best Time
Early morning and late afternoon
No distribution map available
Rio Negro, Brazil
BrazilPrime Amazonian tributary where Characidium boehlkei thrives among leaf litter and slow‑moving waters.
Best: June‑August
Upper Orinoco Basin, Venezuela
VenezuelaClear, fast‑flowing sections of the Orinoco support abundant populations of this small benthic fish.
Best: March‑May
Ucayali River, Peru
PeruUpper Ucayali offers soft substrates and overhanging vegetation ideal for targeting Characidium boehlkei.
Best: November‑February
Pantanal Floodplains, Brazil
BrazilSeasonal floodplains provide expansive shallow habitats where the species is highly abundant.
Best: September‑October
Lake Maracaibo Tributaries, Venezuela
VenezuelaRemote tributaries with rocky bottoms; requires expert knowledge of local conditions and gear.
Best: December‑January
Essequibo River, Guyana
GuyanaClear mid‑river stretches with plentiful insect hatches attract this species in good numbers.
Best: May‑June
Best bait: Live micro‑insects (mayfly nymphs, caddis larvae) or tiny daphnia