Aracu flamengo
Leporinus desmotes — the aracu flamengo — is a small, schooling fish of the Essequibo and Tocantins river basins in northern South America, with records from broader Amazonian drainages spanning both clear-water and black-water systems.
Reaching about 22 cm and rarely exceeding 244 g, it plays a consistent role in small-scale subsistence fisheries across its range.
A 2017 taxonomic revision separated it from closely related species, so the common name 'aracu flamengo' can still refer to a group of similar fish depending on where you are.
Scientific Name: Leporinus desmotes
- Compact and elongated, maxing out at 22 cm (about 8.7 inches) and typically weighing between 102–244 g — roughly the size of a large hand.
- Part of a species complex revised in 2017; field identification can be difficult, and fish sold or caught under the 'aracu flamengo' name may belong to closely related species in the same group.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Range centers on the Essequibo and Tocantins river basins (Guyana and Brazil), with records from additional Amazonian drainages including the clear-water Tapajós and black-water Negro systems.
- A benthopelagic river fish — lives and feeds in the water column close to the bottom, in flowing water rather than lakes or still-water impoundments.
- Suited to the soft, slightly acidic chemistry typical of Amazonian rivers: pH 6.5–7.2, hardness 5–18 dH, and warm year-round temperatures.
Specific Spots
- Breeding pairs pull into densely vegetated, weedy margins — the same areas where plant matter and small invertebrates concentrate, making them productive for schooling fish outside the spawn as well.
- Bottom-oriented by habit; slower pools and deeper runs near submerged structure hold fish more reliably than open, fast-moving current.
Aracu flamengo FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Aracu flamengo?
Small worms, plant-based dough baits, and soft invertebrate imitations are the most practical choices, matching the species's diet of plant matter and small invertebrates. Natural baits fished on or near the bottom are the standard approach across its range.
What do Aracu flamengo eat?
Plant matter and small invertebrates make up the bulk of the diet, a trophic level of roughly 2.4 puts this fish near the base of the food chain, grazing rather than hunting. Small worms, soft dough baits, and plant-based offerings are the practical choices for anyone targeting them with hook and line.
Where do Aracu flamengo live?
Range centers on the Essequibo and Tocantins river basins (Guyana and Brazil), with records from additional Amazonian drainages including the clear-water Tapajós and black-water Negro systems.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you Aracu flamengo.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every Aracu flamengo water
Pick Aracu flamengo and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch Aracu flamengo
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where Aracu flamengo are.
Open the map, filter by Aracu flamengo, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.