Prochilodus nigricans

Prochilodus nigricans Spix & Agassiz, 1829

Prochilodus nigricans

Michael Goulding

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Common names

  • Bolivia: (Common names not yet available)
  • Brazil: Curica, Curimata, Curimatá, Curimatã, Papa-terra
  • Colombia: Boquichico
  • Ecuador: Boquichico
  • Peru: Boquichico

Summary

The bocachico (Prochilodus nigricans) is a small detritivorous fish (under 40 cm) widely distributed in the Amazon basin. It is one of the most important fishery species of the region because of its abundance, commercial value and acceptance for local consumption. It forms large schools during its reproductive migrations and constitutes the group with the highest potential production recorded among commercially exploited Amazonian fishes.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Teleostei
  • Order: Characiformes
  • Family: Prochilodontidae
  • Genus: Prochilodus
  • Taxon category: Species

Distribution

Potential bocachico production is estimated at 24,200 tonnes, the highest among commercial fish groups of the Amazon. The main fishing regions correspond to the Peruvian Amazon (48%) and the Central Amazon (30%), which together account for 79% of production. Other relevant areas include the Estuary (7%), Brazil–Peru–Colombia Border (5%), Tocantins (3%) and Madeira (2%). It undertakes medium-distance migrations between 100 and 1,000 km, associated with the hydrological cycles of the basin.

Threat status

Least Concern (LC) IUCN

Reproduction

Spawning occurs at the beginning of the rising-water season. During this period large schools are observed migrating through the main river channels.

Feeding

Detritivorous. It feeds mainly on organic matter and nutrient-rich sediments present on the bottom of water bodies.

Habitat

It mainly inhabits whitewater and clearwater rivers of the Amazon basin. It is generally absent or uncommon in blackwater rivers. During different moments of the hydrological cycle it moves between fluvial channels and other associated environments.

Uses, management and conservation

It is a second-class commercial species with a national market reach, marketed outside the Amazon. Because of its abundance, size and quality for consumption, it is one of the most important fishery resources of the Amazon basin and sustains a significant share of regional fisheries.

References

(Not available)