Bicuda

This is the local name for a gar-like fish of the Boulengerrella  species, a family of Characin fish common throughout all the Amazon waters. There are a number of different species in this family and on our various trips we have encountered two if not three different species. They are often called Characin Pike, not to be confused with the species Hoplias malabricus written about earlier. All are active predators feeding mainly on fish, but at least one species also feeds nocturnally on large insects.

They are long slim fish with beak like jaws full of fine sharp teeth , most are small fish between 12-15 inches but they certainly fight well above their weight ,leaping high in the air performing sinuous acrobatics not unlike a salt water barracuda ( also called bicuda in Portuguese.)

One species we have encountered is Boulengerrella maculata known in English as the Spotted Pike Characin it is fairly common in the Agua Boa. It is recognizable from its spotted flanks and also from the red blob on the tip of its nose.

This red blob acts as a lure; the fish hangs just beneath the surface with the tip sticking out attracting nocturnal insects and small fish. Size wise it can reach about 20 inches.

Another species is the Striped Pike Characin Boulengerrella lateristriga this has no spots on the body but has distinct barring on the tail fin and a lateral dark stripe down the body. This fish rarely reaches 12 inches.

The largest of these characins is the species B. cuvieri; this attains weights of around 10 lbs or so and 35 inches in length. Unfortunately, as yet we have not caught such a large example of this species, but we do live in hopes.

If one wants to try specifically for these aggressive little fish I would recommend small trout  streamers or poppers using floating lines on a four to six weight rod, but one  will be  taking a chance, for much bigger predators are around  quite capable of taking the fly and breaking your tackle. It has happened to us with nine and ten weight rods so one's six weight rod does not stand much of a chance. It is a risky option but I believe it can be well worth the risk.