Jaturana
The Flash-Finned Forager of the Floodplain
Jaturana
The Flash-Finned Forager of the Floodplain
Guide
Known locally as jaturana or matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus is one of the most important omnivorous gamefish in the Amazon. With a streamlined, silvery body and a forked tail, this fast-swimming species is a popular catch among both local anglers and visiting sport fishers. Its active surface feeding and acrobatic leaps make it a lively and exciting target on light tackle.
Highly mobile and opportunistic, jaturana inhabit a wide variety of Amazonian waters. They are particularly common in rivers with abundant overhanging vegetation and flooded forests, where they gorge on fallen fruit, insects, and even small fish. Often schooling in groups, they’re drawn to shoreline structure, eddies, and backwaters—especially during the high-water season when the forest becomes part of the river.
Interesting Facts & Notes
Jaturana are renowned for their aerial jumps and fast, darting runs when hooked.
They perform seasonal upstream migrations for spawning, often in large schools.
A strong indicator species of river health, they are vital in dispersing seeds throughout the flooded forest.
Their gill rakers and strong pharyngeal teeth allow them to process a variety of plant and animal matter efficiently.
Where to Catch
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Brycon amazonicus |
| Common Names | Jaturana, Matrinxã |
| Size Range | Common: 2–5 lbs / Max: 10–12 lbs |
| Region | Amazon Basin |
| Habitat | Rivers, backwaters, flooded forests, overhanging banks |
| Behavior | Schooling, omnivorous, migratory |
| Coloration | Silver body, yellow-tinged fins, sometimes reddish lower fins |
| Aggression | High – active surface feeder |
| Feeding Habits | Fruits, seeds, insects, crustaceans, small fish |
| Gamefish Status | Excellent – fast, hard-fighting, surface strikes |
| Edibility | Highly valued as a flavorful food fish by locals |
Physical Appearance
Jaturana has an elongated, laterally compressed body with a small, rounded head and blunt snout. Its coloration is typically bright silver, with a darker dorsal surface and sometimes yellow or orange accents on the fins—especially the pectorals and caudal. The tail is deeply forked, and the scales are relatively large, giving it a polished appearance. Some individuals may show reddish tones during the spawning season.
How to Identify
Slender, torpedo-shaped silver body with dark back
Deeply forked caudal fin, often slightly red or yellow
Small head with terminal mouth and large eyes
Typically 64–68 scales along the lateral line
Schooling behavior and surface feeding make them visible near banks
Fishing Tactics: How to Catch Jaturana
Jaturana are aggressive feeders and will take both natural and artificial baits, especially near surface structure or under overhanging vegetation. Their aerial acrobatics demand quick reflexes and tight drag control.
Recommended Techniques
Cast small surface or subsurface plugs near shorelines or overhanging branches
Drift live or cut bait (e.g., fruit chunks, worms) in slow current
Use fly tackle with insect or fruit imitations for explosive topwater takes
Suggested Gear
Rod: Medium-light spinning or casting; 6–8 wt fly rod
Line: 10–20 lb braid or mono
Leader: 20–40 lb fluoro or mono
Hooks: Small circle or bait hooks (size 2/0–4/0) or small fly hooks
Related Reading
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References
Zeinad, A. K. & Prado, R. A. (2012). Peixes fluviais do Brasil: espécies esportivas
Goulding, M. (1981). Amazon: The Flooded Forest
Pompeu, P.S. & Godinho, H.P. (2003)
Santos, G.M. et al. (2006)
Gonçalves, T.L. et al. (2006)
