Piau
Piau is a group of native characins in the genus Leporinus that show up in rivers and reservoirs across much of Brazil — from the upper Paraná basin in the south to the Araguaia and beyond.
They're a staple target for local anglers fishing from the bank or in small boats, valued as table fish and as a reliable bite when bigger species aren't cooperating.
Scientific Name: Leporinus tigrinus
Also known as piau, piau-três-pintas, piau-verdadeiro, piau-listrado
- Elongated, torpedo-shaped body with a distinctive pattern of dark lateral blotches or horizontal stripes depending on species — useful for telling them apart from other characins.
- Leporinus tigrinus shows bold tiger-like markings; L. paranensis and L. melanopleura carry three dark midlateral blotches on a lighter background.
- Small, terminal mouth with chisel-like teeth adapted for plant material — a key ID feature that separates them from predatory characins.
- Most piau species run 20–40 cm in rivers and reservoirs; larger individuals in productive waters can push past 500g.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to Brazil; different species occupy distinct drainages — L. paranensis is found in tributaries of the Rio Grande and upper Paraná basin; L. tigrinus in the São Francisco system; L. melanopleura across central Brazilian river systems.
- L. paranensis has been documented in major tributaries of the upper Paraná basin in São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Goiás states.
- The rio Araguaia in Mato Grosso and Goiás holds its own Leporinus species, reflecting how broadly this genus is distributed across Brazilian drainages.
- Prefer medium to large rivers with clear to moderately turbid water, rocky or sandy substrate, and moderate current — also common in reservoirs built on these river systems.
Key Locations
- Upper Paraná basin tributaries in São Paulo and Minas Gerais — core range for L. paranensis, including the Rio Grande drainage.
- Rio Araguaia (Mato Grosso / Goiás) — documented habitat for multiple Leporinus species in a productive multi-species fishery.
- Rio São Francisco system — home to L. tigrinus and other piau species, fished heavily by local anglers throughout Minas Gerais and Bahia.
- Reservoirs built on Paraná and São Francisco tributaries hold resident piau populations year-round outside the spawning season.
Specific Spots
- Rocky outcrops and submerged boulders in moderate current — piau use these as feeding stations where algae and invertebrates concentrate.
- Shallow riffles and runs over gravel or rock, especially where current breaks create calmer pockets just downstream.
- Reservoir margins near submerged timber or rocky points, where fish move in to feed during low-light periods.
- River bends with undercut banks and root tangles provide cover; fish often hold just outside the main current thread.
Piau FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Piau?
Natural and prepared baits dominate: corn kernels, bread dough, minhoca (earthworms), and fruit-based pastes (massa) are the go-to choices for local anglers targeting piau.
When is the best time to fish for Piau?
Dry season (roughly May–September) generally produces the most consistent fishing as falling water concentrates fish in predictable spots along river channels and reservoir margins. Early wet season (October–November) can be productive before water rises too high, but fish begin moving toward spawning areas.
How do you catch Piau?
Most anglers in Brazil fish piau from the bank or in small boats using bottom rigs or floats with natural bait, working rocky riffles and current breaks in rivers or the rocky margins of reservoirs. Patience and light tackle are the norm, piau are cautious biters and a sensitive rod tip helps detect the subtle takes.
What do Piau eat?
Primarily plant material, algae, aquatic vegetation, and fruit that falls into the water, plus invertebrates and small insects. This herbivore-leaning diet means natural baits like corn, bread dough, and fruit-based pastes consistently outperform lures.
Where do Piau live?
Native to Brazil; different species occupy distinct drainages, L. paranensis is found in tributaries of the Rio Grande and upper Paraná basin; L. tigrinus in the São Francisco system; L. melanopleura across central Brazilian river systems. L.
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