Aracus

Length Category:  Small (<40 cm)

Trophic Level:  Omnivores

Migratory Pattern:  Medium Distance (100-1,000 km)

Spawning Period:  Rising

Export Market:  Regional (in Amazon)

Market Status:  Second class

Catch Distribution:

Aracu total potential yield was estimated to be 4,660 tons. The yield is concentrated in the Central Amazon, representing 63% of the total. There are also significant catches in the Estuary (14%) and Tocantins (12%) regions. In the estuary, aracu are captured mostly in the inner delta region, including waters of inland Marajó Island. Moderate catches are made in the Lower Amazon (6%) and Peruvian Amazon (4%).

Natural History Notes:

The aracu commercial fish group consists of several genera and perhaps 10 species. They are seldom separated in fisheries statistics, though in each region, one species tends to be more important than others. The most exploited species are Schizodon fasciatus, Schizodon vittatus, Leporinus fasciatus, Leporinus friderici, Leporinus trifasciatus, Rhytiodus microlepis, and Rhytiodus argenteofuscus. These aracu species are predominantly herbivorous and feed on fruits, seeds, and herbaceous plant material. Many species also feed to some extent on arthropods and small fishes. Most commercial aracu species are migratory and they are captured during the two annual migrations. They are also exploited in floodplain waters with gill nets.