Pacu

Common name(s) Pacu, Black pacu, Black-finned pacu, Giant pacu, Tambaqui, Gamitana Picture of Pacu

Photos © Sean Evans

Scientific name Colossoma macropomum

Synonyms Piaractus macropomus (not valid)

Size Up to 3.3 feet (1 metre) in length and very deep bodied!

Origin Amazon

Tank setup A huge tank (e.g. 500 gallons), even this may be too small for adult pacu.

Compatibility Usually fairly peaceful for its size, other 'tankbuster' fish can be kept - not for community tanks!

Temperature 22-28^oC (72-82^oF)

Water chemistry Not critical: acidic to slightly alkaline pH (5.5-7.5), soft to fairly hard.

Feeding Omnivore, will eat most larger foods, include plenty of vegetable foods.

Sexing The dorsal fin of the male is more pointed, and the anal fin has a toothed edge.

Breeding Unlikely in aquaria

Comments This fish is really only suitable for public aquaria, many of which are already well stocked with pacu which have outgrown their homes, and may be reluctant to accept more. It is therefore not a good idea to purchase this fish unless you can provide a 1000 gallons plus aquarium for the adult(s).

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name(s)	Pacu, Black pacu, Black-finned pacu, Giant pacu, Tambaqui, Gamitana	`Photos © Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Colossoma macropomum
Synonyms	Piaractus macropomus (not valid)
Size	Up to 3.3 feet (1 metre) in length and very deep bodied!
Origin	Amazon
Tank setup	A huge tank (e.g. 500 gallons), even this may be too small for adult pacu.
Compatibility	Usually fairly peaceful for its size, other 'tankbuster' fish can be kept - not for community tanks!
Temperature	22-28^oC (72-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Not critical: acidic to slightly alkaline pH (5.5-7.5), soft to fairly hard.
Feeding	Omnivore, will eat most larger foods, include plenty of vegetable foods.
Sexing	The dorsal fin of the male is more pointed, and the anal fin has a toothed edge.
Breeding	Unlikely in aquaria
Comments	This fish is really only suitable for public aquaria, many of which are already well stocked with pacu which have outgrown their homes, and may be reluctant to accept more. It is therefore not a good idea to purchase this fish unless you can provide a 1000 gallons plus aquarium for the adult(s).