# Pirarucu sightings in Rio Machado

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/pirarucu-sightings-in-rio-machado
> Updated: 2026-09-05T23:43:54.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In late August, a 2.44-meter, 120-kilogram pirarucu was caught in the Rio Machado in Ji-Paraná, Rondônia. The catch, made by professional fisherman Dorval Nunes Coelho, is noted by local officials as potentially the largest specimen ever caught by local fishermen in the region.

Local authorities and the Z-9 Fishermen's Colony have observed an increasing frequency of pirarucu sightings in the Rio Machado. One hypothesis suggests these fish may be escaping from aquaculture areas during heavy rains and flooding. While the species is economically significant, its presence in certain areas like the Madeira River has raised environmental concerns, where it is treated as invasive, leading Ibama to authorize culling to protect the ecosystem.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: 90-kilogram stingray captured in Paraguay River

Fishermen in Paraguay's Ñeembucú Department captured a massive 90-kilogram stingray in the Paraguay River near Tacuaras.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/90-kilogram-stingray-captured-in-paraguay-river

### 2026-09-04: Pirarucu fish of 2.44 meters captured in Rio Machado

A 2.44-meter, 120-kilogram pirarucu was captured in the Rio Machado in Ji-Paraná, marking a significant catch for local fishermen.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pirarucu-fish-of-244-meters-captured-in-rio-machado

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Cite as: Pirarucu sightings in Rio Machado. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/pirarucu-sightings-in-rio-machado