Jundiá - Leiarius marmoratus and Leiarius pictus

Leopard-Spotted Catfish of the Amazon Depths

Jaú - Zungaro zungaro

The Amazon’s Heaviest Deep-Water Predator

With their striking, leopard-like markings and nocturnal habits, the jundiá catfish pair—Leiarius marmoratus and L. pictus—stand out among the Amazon’s medium-sized predators. Known by several names across South America, including mandi-bandeira and mandi-pintado, these powerful bottom-dwellers are both beautiful and formidable. Although they don’t reach the enormous sizes of some other Amazon catfish, they remain a rewarding catch for adventurous anglers targeting species variety.

Jundiás tend to inhabit deeper channels, rocky banks, and submerged structures, where they ambush baitfish and invertebrates alike. Their patterned bodies and dorsal fin shapes can help distinguish the two closely related species, and both can be caught on baited rigs with some patience and skill.

Interesting Facts & Notes

  • Leiarius marmoratus can exceed 1 meter and reach up to 12 kg, while L. pictus is smaller, maxing out around 60 cm and 3 kg.

  • The “mandi-bandeira” name refers to L. pictus’s tall, flag-like dorsal fin.

  • Jundiás are known to hybridize with other Pimelodidae catfish in captivity and aquaculture, raising concerns about genetic contamination.

  • Though primarily nocturnal, they may also feed during the day in low-visibility or deepwater habitats.

Where to Catch

Quick Facts

Attribute Description
Scientific Name Leiarius marmoratus and Leiarius pictus
Common Names Jundiá, Mandi-bandeira, Mandi-pintado, Leopard Catfish
Size Range 2–12 kg for L. marmoratus, up to 3 kg for L. pictus
Region Amazon Basin, especially deeper channels and rocky banks
Habitat Deep pools, channels, rocky structure, submerged trees
Behavior Nocturnal, solitary or in loose aggregations
Coloration Brown to reddish with dark, leopard-like spots
Aggression Moderate – primarily ambush feeders
Feeding Habits Carnivorous – fish and invertebrates; opportunistic
Gamefish Status Secondary target; admired for looks and size when encountered
Edibility Locally consumed but not widely targeted for food due to tougher texture
Jau Catfish

Physical Appearance

The jundiá has a sleek, elongated body with a triangular trunk and distinctive spotted patterns. The body color can vary from reddish-brown to yellow-brown, covered with large, dark blotches that extend across the entire body and fins. Its prominent, deeply forked caudal fin and long barbels give it a classic catfish profile. L. pictus stands out with a proportionally taller, flag-like dorsal fin, while L. marmoratus tends to have a slightly more massive build and slightly more muted coloring.

How to Identify Jundiá

  • Jundiá (L. marmoratus): More robust body, shorter dorsal fin, dark reddish tone with black blotches.

  • Mandi-bandeira (L. pictus): Smaller size, taller dorsal fin (“flag catfish”), similar blotched pattern.

  • Both species have long maxillary barbels and alternating dark blotches across the sides and fins.

Fishing Tactics: How to Catch Jundiá

Recommended Techniques

  • Fish during the late afternoon or at night.

  • Focus on deeper holes, rocky shorelines, and submerged structure.

  • Use live or cut bait, especially small fish or large worms.

  • Jundiá tend to bite subtly—watch rod tips and lines carefully.

Suggested Gear

  • Rod and Reel: Medium-heavy to heavy baitcasting setup.

  • Line: 50–65 lb braided line.

  • Leader: 60–100 lb mono or fluorocarbon leader.

  • Hooks: 7/0–10/0 circle or J hook.

  • Sinkers: Small whole fish, cut bait, or large earthworms.

Related Reading

Ready to Catch a Jundiá?

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References

  • Zeinad, A. K. & Prado, R. A. (2012). Peixes fluviais do Brasil: espécies esportivas.

  • Lundberg, J. G. & Littmann, M. W. (2003). Taxonomy of the Pimelodidae.

  • Ferreira, E. J. G., et al. (1998). Peixes comerciais do médio Amazonas.

  • Santos, G. M., et al. (2006). Peixes das águas amazônicas.

  • Cruz-Casallas, P. E., et al. (2010). Reproductive traits of Leiarius marmoratus.

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