Pacu
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A eminently likeable fish, but one growing to tankbuster proportions. JJPhoto.dk
[edit] Overview
Pacus are lovable “Vegetarian Piranhas” that grow to humongous sizes (up to 60 pounds; 27.5 kilograms). Most public aquariums do not have room for yet another one of these unfortunate imports; many wind up grilled “on the barbie.”
Family: Characidae
Other common name(s):
- Tambaqui
Native range:
Habitat: Jungle rivers, streams and "flooded forests" in the water beneath fruit-bearing trees.
Maximum length: 108 cm (43 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 1135 L (300 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (295 K, 72 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
General swimming level: All levels.
[edit] Feeding
Omnivore. Juveniles feed on insects, snails, zooplankton and vegetation. Adults feed heavily on fruits and other vegetable matter while living in flooded forests for several months each year.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Peaceful, but a fish whose adult scale does not fit most home aquariums.
[edit] Special Care
Very disease resistant, tolerant of poor water quality and easy to keep in aquaculture conditions. Large pacu can inflict a bruising bite.
[edit] Breeding/Propagation
Widely propagated in South America for table fare.
| Common name | Pacu +, and Tambaqui + |
| Family | Characidae + |
| Genus | Colossoma + |
| Image credit | JJ + |
| Maximum length | 43 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 300 gal + |
| Native range | South America +, Amazon River Basin +, and Orinoco River Basin + |
| Reference | 101 Best Tropical Fishes + |
| Specific name | macropomum + |
| Swimming level | All levels. + |
| Text credit | KW + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 295 K (22 °C, 72 °F) + |
| Water type | Freshwater + |