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| Common name: | Red Pacu, Red-bellied pacu, Pirapitinga |
| Scientific name: | Piaractus brachypomus |
| Synonyms: | Colossoma brachypomus (not valid) |
| Size: | Up to 35" (88cm) |
| Origin: | South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins. |
| Tank setup: | A very large tank, of more than 300 gallons (1360 L). |
| Compatibility: | Usually fairly peaceful for its size, other 'tankbuster' fish can be kept. |
| Temperature: | 22-26oC (72-79oF) |
| Water chemistry: | Acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0), but not critical. |
| Feeding: | Omnivore, will eat most larger foods. |
| Sexing: | Unknown |
| Breeding: | Unlikely in aquaria. |
| Comments: |
This species is quite commonly found for sale as small juveniles, but can only be accommodated long-term in the largest of home aquaria.
Do not be tempted to purchase this fish unless you can provide for its needs as an adult - fish stores will not be keen to take in semi-adult fish,
and public aquaria are frequently inundated with requests to house unwanted Pacu.
These fish may be mis-labelled as Red-bellied piranha, and vice versa, as the juveniles are similar but can be distinguished by the jaw shape in
particular.
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