[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Characoids – Black-finned Pacu (Colossoma macropomum)

Although this fish superficially resembles a piranha and belongs to the same subfamily, the Pacu is a plant-eating species rather than a predator. It is a large fish that is bred commercially both for aquaria and as a food fish, and it is quite unsuitable for most home aquaria. However, in its proper setting, the species is long-lived and well worth keeping.

Family

• Characidae

Subfamily

• Serrasalmmae

Distribution

• Widespread in the Amazon region.

Size

• Around 16in (40cm).

Behavior

• Peaceful, despite its size; has a keen appetite for plants.

Diet

• Large commercial formulations, plus added vegetable component, e.g. lettuce leaves.

Aquarium

• Only large, deep aquaria are suitable. Use only unpalatable or artificial plants, plus large pieces of bogwood and other forms of decor. Water chemistry not critical, but water should be well filtered. Temperature range: 72-82 F (22-28 C).

Breeding

• No accounts of successful aquarium breeding available.