Sport fishing for tucunaré in Puerto Maldonado, also known as pavón cinchado, is a very popular activity in Puerto Maldonado. This fishing takes place in the nearby Amazonian rivers and attracts both locals and tourists from all over the world. The tucunaré is famous for its large size and being a very strong and combative fish, making it a highly sought-after catch for those who practice sport fishing.
The waters of the rivers surrounding Puerto Maldonado are perfect for this type of fishing, as they are rich in biodiversity and provide an ideal natural environment for the tucunaré. Both local and tourist fishermen enjoy an exciting challenge while attempting to catch this fish, exploring the jungle landscapes and experiencing a unique encounter with nature.
Location of Tucunaré in Puerto Maldonado
Sport fishing for tucunaré in Puerto Maldonado takes place in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon jungle, with Puerto Maldonado being a key city to access the incredible biodiversity of this region. Known as the capital of the Madre de Dios region, Puerto Maldonado is the gateway to important natural reserves and rivers full of life. Besides being an ideal destination for ecotourism, where you can explore the jungle and observe its wildlife and flora, this city has also become a key point for those looking to enjoy sport fishing, especially tucunaré fishing.
Geographically, Puerto Maldonado is located about 55 meters above sea level and is mainly accessible by plane from Lima and Cusco. There is also a road connection to other major cities in the country, although access is limited due to its location in a tropical and remote region.
Did you know this about Tucunaré in the Amazon of Puerto Maldonado?
- ⟩ Scientific Name: Cichla temensis
- ⟩ Family: Cichlidae
- ⟩ Species: Cichla temensis (also known as Cichla monoculus, Spix, 1829)
- ⟩ Maximum size and weight: 60 cm and 5 kg
- ⟩ Average weight in its natural habitat: Between 0.5 and 1.5 kg
- ⟩ Commercial size and weight: 25 cm and 300 g
- ⟩ Ideal temperature for farming: Between 25 and 30°C (77-86°F)
The Tucunaré
- Commercial importance: Tucunaré is a fish with white meat and excellent flavor, with few bones, making it a highly valued product. It is sold at a good price per unit and is in high demand for local consumption.
- Ideal zones for farming: Its natural habitat is found in the Peruvian Amazon, where water and climate conditions favor its development.
- Habitat: The tucunaré is a characteristic fish of lagoons, although it can also be found in streams and areas with fallen branches, where it hides to ambush its prey. This behavior makes it an efficient predator in its natural environment.
- Main Farming Areas in Peru: The main areas for tucunaré farming in Peru include Loreto, Pucallpa, San Martín, and Madre de Dios. Although its farming is largely extensive, these regions offer ideal conditions for its development.
- Environmental Risks: As a carnivorous species, it is essential to carefully evaluate its introduction into reservoirs or lagoons, as it could prey on key species for the ecological balance of the area, affecting local biodiversity.
- Production and Supply of Juveniles: Tucunaré juveniles are mainly obtained from the natural environment, with the support of “pishiñeiros” (fishermen specialized in ornamental fish), who are responsible for collecting them.
- Farming Levels and Results Obtained: Farming has been carried out with predator and prey species, such as tucunaré and tilapia, achieving control of the latter’s reproduction by the tucunaré. Currently, farming is done extensively, producing between 200 and 300 kg of fish without the need for supplemental feed, taking advantage of invasive fish like bujurquis and mojarras in the ponds.
Places Where You Can Fish for Tucunaré in Puerto Maldonado
- Tambopata River
- The Tambopata River is one of the most important places for sport fishing for tucunaré in Puerto Maldonado. This river is famous for its clean waters and abundant vegetation along its banks.
- Tambopata National Reserve
- Tambopata National Reserve is a place full of life and nature, with great biodiversity. Although it is primarily known for its wildlife and flora, it is also an excellent spot for sport fishing for tucunaré in Puerto Maldonado.
- Lake Valencia
- Lake Valencia, near Puerto Maldonado, is another ideal location for sport fishing for tucunaré. This lake is known for its diversity of fish and is popular among local fishermen and tourists. The calm, deep waters of the lake are perfect for tucunaré, especially near the shores and in the small channels (igarapés) that surround it.
- Madre de Dios River
- Although it is a larger and more powerful river, tucunaré can be found in its tributaries and quieter areas. The backwaters and secondary lagoons are ideal, as tucunaré feel comfortable in slow-moving waters with abundant food.
- Igarapés (small channels)
- The igarapés, which are small water channels among the trees and dense jungle vegetation, are another excellent place for sport fishing for tucunaré in Puerto Maldonado. These channels are calm and deep, offering the perfect refuge for tucunaré to hide and stalk their prey.
