Mandubé

The Jumping Catfish of the Midwater

Mandubé

The Jumping Catfish of the Midwater

The Mandubé is a fast, aggressive, and athletic catfish known for its surprising aerial displays and pelagic behavior. Unlike most of its bottom-dwelling cousins, this sleek predator roams midwater depths in rivers and lakes, often leaping out of the water when hooked. A member of the Auchenipteridae family, Ageneiosus brevifilis is locally known as “mandubé” or “palmito” and is among the most sporting catfish in Brazil due to its hard strikes and fight on light tackle.

While not massive in size, Mandubés are excellent gamefish that reward anglers who seek out variety and activity over sheer size. Their acrobatic behavior and willingness to strike artificial lures make them a welcome surprise for multi-species anglers fishing the Amazon, Xingu, and other central Brazilian rivers.

Interesting Facts & Notes

  • Mandubé is one of the few Amazon catfish that regularly jumps after being hooked.

  • It is often confused with other small siluriforms but has a more elongated, torpedo-shaped body and reduced barbels.

  • Despite being a catfish, it’s a highly mobile midwater predator—not a benthic ambush feeder.

  • The species name brevifilis refers to its “short thread” barbels.

Where to Catch Mandubé

Quick Facts

Trait Description
Family Auchenipteridae
Max Size 70+ cm (27 in); 5+ kg (11+ lbs)
Habitat Midwater zones of large rivers and lakes
Distribution Amazon, Tocantins-Araguaia, Paraná, and Paraguay basins

Physical Appearance

Mandubé catfish have a streamlined body that becomes increasingly compressed toward the tail. They feature a small adipose fin and a broad, truncate caudal fin with rounded lobes. Their mouths are terminal and wide, often slightly protruding, and they have small, backward-facing teeth. Their coloration is typically silvery to gray with darker backs and faint markings along the flanks. Mature males develop a specialized pectoral fin spine used during spawning.

How to Identify a Mandubé

  • “Mandubé” or “Palmito”: Common local names.

  • Broad head, large mouth, and short, inconspicuous barbels.

  • Tall body depth tapering into a narrow caudal peduncle.

  • Distinctive jumping behavior once hooked.

Fishing Tactics: How to Catch a Mandubé

Recommended Techniques

  • Cast artificial plugs, jigs, or spoons in midwater or current seams.

  • Natural baits such as shrimp, worms, or fish chunks can be effective near deeper drop-offs and lake mouths.

  • Look for feeding activity near surface boils or mid-river eddies.

Suggested Gear

  • Light to medium spinning or baitcasting gear

  • 30–40 lb braid or mono line

  • Medium wire or mono leader (60–80 lb)

  • Recommended lure types: medium-diving plugs, metal jigs, small spoons, or minnowbaits

Related Reading

Join The Adventure

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References

  • Britski, H.A., et al. (2007). Peixes do Pantanal.

  • Ferraris, C.J. Jr. (2003). Checklist of Catfishes.

  • Melo, C.E., Santos, G.B. (2006). Sexual dimorphism in Ageneiosus.

  • Vazzoler, A.E.A. (1996). Reprodução de Peixes Teleósteos.

  • Lima, F.C.T. et al. (2005). Peixes do Rio Madeira.

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