In conclusion, our results show that juvenile matrinxã was able to achieve full compensatory growth under short-term cycles of feed deprivation (two days) followed by refeeding (three or four days) during 60 days. The observation that growth in this fish can be fully compensated even with a reduction of nearly 40% of the feed offered represents a promising alternative to improve the management of this species and the sustainability of its production system. The information may be of interest to fish producers.