Leporinus melanostictus
Leporinus melanostictus is a native freshwater fish found in the Oyapock River basin along Brazil's far northern border with French Guiana. Known locally as araçu, it belongs to the headstander family and occupies the bottom layers of tropical rivers.
Fishing data specific to this species is sparse, but it shares the araçu name and general habits of its better-known relatives.
Scientific Name: Leporinus melanostictus
Also known as Araçu
- Torpedo-shaped body typical of the Leporinus family, with a pointed snout and small rabbit-like teeth — the genus name literally means "rabbit" in Latin.
- Patterned with dark spots or blotches along the flanks, distinguishing it from the banded leporinus relatives that carry vertical black stripes.
- Grows to around 28 cm (about 11 inches) and up to 320 g — a modest-sized fish, roughly hand-length at its largest.
- Benthopelagic in posture, often holding close to the bottom; fins are typical of a mid-water river fish built for current.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to Brazil; recorded from the Oyapock River basin in the far north of Amapá state, where the river forms the border with French Guiana.
- Also present in the Approuague drainage, a coastal river system that drains into the Atlantic in the same general region.
- Strictly freshwater and tropical; lives in the benthopelagic zone — meaning it moves through the water column but spends significant time near the bottom.
Key Locations
- Rio Oyapock, Amapá — the primary confirmed Brazilian location, running along the border with French Guiana in the far north.
- Approuague drainage — a coastal river system in the same northern region where the species has also been recorded.
Specific Spots
- Bottom structure — submerged rocks, woody debris, and sandy hollows — where this species holds close to the riverbed in typical Leporinus fashion.
- Dense aquatic vegetation, which the species uses for breeding cover and likely for foraging on plant material.
- Current breaks along the margins of fast-flowing stretches, where fish can hold without fighting the full force of the river.
Leporinus melanostictus FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Leporinus melanostictus?
Natural baits, fruit pulp, plant-based dough baits, or small worms, fished on the bottom are consistent with how related araçu species are caught across Brazil's northern rivers. Small jigs tipped with bait and worked slowly along the riverbed can also draw strikes from bottom-holding fish.
How do you catch Leporinus melanostictus?
Fishing for this species in Brazil is not widely documented. Where araçu are targeted in the Oyapock basin, bottom fishing with natural or plant-based baits from the bank or a small boat is the practical approach in these remote northern rivers.
What do Leporinus melanostictus eat?
The broader Leporinus group is primarily plant-eating, fruits, leaves, and aquatic vegetation, supplemented by small invertebrates. Small baits fished near the bottom, or dough-style baits made from plant matter, match this feeding style.
Where do Leporinus melanostictus live?
Native to Brazil; recorded from the Oyapock River basin in the far north of Amapá state, where the river forms the border with French Guiana. Also present in the Approuague drainage, a coastal river system that drains into the Atlantic in the same general region.
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