Leporinus lacustris
Piau de lagoa is a native characin of the upper Paraná River basin, where it turns up in floodplain lagoons, backwaters, and river channels across the Brazilian interior.
It's a modest-sized fish — rarely past 24 cm — but it draws attention from sport anglers and is actively studied for aquaculture potential. Its plant-scraping teeth and omnivorous diet make it a distinctive target on light tackle.
Scientific Name: Leporinus lacustris
Also known as Piau, Piava de Lagoa, Piau corró
- Elongated, laterally compressed body with a small blunt head; coloring runs gray-green to brown with darker blotches or bands along the flanks and faint metallic sheen.
- Four prominent chisel-like incisor teeth in each jaw — a hallmark of the Anostomidae family, built for scraping algae and plant material.
- Common length around 12 cm standard length; maximum recorded size is 24 cm total length, making it a small to mid-sized target by Brazilian standards.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the Paraná River basin in South America; in Brazil it is found across the upper Paraná floodplain, including the Baía River and associated lagoon systems in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná.
- Occupies both open and closed floodplain lagoons (locally called lagoas fechadas and abertas), as well as main river channels — the species epithet lacustris reflects its strong association with lake-like backwaters.
- A freshwater, benthopelagic species that tolerates a wide pH range (roughly 5.8–7.8) and prefers warm tropical water.
Key Locations
- Baía River (upper Paraná floodplain, Mato Grosso do Sul / Paraná border) — documented as a key reproductive area in scientific sampling.
- Floodplain lagoons of the upper Paraná, including Lagoa Fechada and Lagoa Guaraná — named in reproductive studies as important habitat for this species.
Specific Spots
- Dense aquatic vegetation and weedy margins — pairs move into heavily planted areas to spawn, and the fish graze algae-covered surfaces throughout the year.
- Floodplain lagoons connected to the main channel during high water; fish concentrate in these calmer, food-rich environments when the river floods.
- Shallow, well-oxygenated areas near submerged roots or rocky substrate where algae and invertebrates accumulate.
Leporinus lacustris FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Leporinus lacustris?
Natural baits work best given the species' plant-and-invertebrate diet: small pieces of fruit, dough baits, corn, or aquatic worms fished on a light hook near weedy structure. Small soft-plastic baits or tiny jigs that mimic invertebrates can also draw strikes, especially near the bottom in lagoon environments.
When is the best time to fish for Leporinus lacustris?
The upper Paraná floodplain experiences high water (cheia) roughly from November through March, when fish spread across flooded lagoons and feeding activity increases, generally a productive period. As waters recede (April–July), fish concentrate back into main lagoons and river channels, making them easier to locate.
How do you catch Leporinus lacustris?
Anglers in Brazil typically fish piau de lagoa from the bank or small boats in floodplain lagoons and river backwaters, using light tackle with natural baits such as dough, fruit, or small invertebrates fished near weedy margins or the bottom.
What do Leporinus lacustris eat?
Primarily aquatic plants, algae, and small invertebrates, its chisel teeth are designed for scraping vegetation off hard surfaces. Small pieces of fruit or plant matter fished near weedy banks can be effective bait.
Where do Leporinus lacustris live?
Native to the Paraná River basin in South America; in Brazil it is found across the upper Paraná floodplain, including the Baía River and associated lagoon systems in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná.
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