The leader of one of Mexico's first anti-crime vigilante groups has been arrested over a shoot-out that killed his son and 10 others.

Hipolito Mora was taken in on an arrest warrant for "probable murder" in the bloody December 16 episode with a rival group.

Another 26 vigilantes were also apprehended for their involvement.

Farmers and other civilians took up arms almost two years ago to protect themselves from criminal gangs.