Also known as
- Macabi Tetra US
- Sardinita Macabi US
- Guatemalan Brycon US
Identification
A streamlined laterally compressed river fish with a deep-bodied frugivore's build delivering surprising acrobatic power. Explosive aerial jumps and strong-current swimming. Females grow larger than males, plumping out during spawning.
- Silver body with olive-green back and golden-yellow highlights on the sides
- Fins flash orange or reddish tints, especially during spawning
- Large terminal mouth with well-developed teeth adapted for crushing seeds and fruits
- Small adipose fin characteristic of Characidae
Where it holds
- Rivers
- Lakes
Behaviour
Active schooling fish. Juveniles are omnivorous on insects, leaves, fruits, and seeds; adults shift to predominantly plant feeding — fruits, seeds, and aquatic vegetation. Loose to tight schools form when feeding on surface items, especially fallen fruits beneath overhanging canopy. Daytime feeder with peaks morning and late afternoon. Active in 24-30°C (75-86°F) water. Mid-water to surface oriented — surface feeding on fruit drops is the hallmark behaviour.
Diet: Fruits, Seeds, Grasshoppers, Crickets, Small Fish
How it's caught
Fly Fishing
Dry Fly
Slap 'berry' flies (shaved cork or foam balls) onto the surface hard to mimic falling fruit — the impact acts as a dinner bell. Cast under overhanging riparian canopy and along shaded banks. Machaca are reactive strikers — if there's no take within 2-3 strips, pick up and recast.
Streamer
Strip dark woolly buggers or small baitfish streamers through shaded pools and along structure when rising river water or midday heat pushes fish off the surface. Erratic retrieves imitate disoriented prey and trigger strikes in reduced visibility.
Line Fishing
Float Fishing
Present local fruits, seeds, or grasshoppers on a slip or fixed float and drift naturally with current under overhanging fruit trees and along undercut banks. Keep the rig shallow — these fish feed near the surface and shun deep presentations.
Spinning
Accurate casts of small topwater poppers and tiny spoons tight under overhanging vegetation where fruit drops hit the water. Short aggressive retrieves and sharp pops trigger reaction strikes. Light tackle — these fish rarely commit to anything oversized.
