Red Bellied Pacu - MUST HAVE MONSTER TANK

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$26.00incl GST

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Red-Bellied Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus)

The Red-Bellied Pacu is a large freshwater fish native to South America. It is often mistaken for the Red-Bellied Piranha due to its similar appearance but differs significantly in diet and behavior.

General Information

  • Scientific Name: Piaractus brachypomus
  • Family: Serrasalmidae (closely related to piranhas)
  • Common Names: Red-Bellied Pacu, Pirapitinga
  • Native Range: Amazon and Orinoco River Basins in South America
  • Habitat: Slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and lakes

Physical Characteristics

  • Size: Can grow up to 30 inches (75 cm) and weigh over 50 pounds (23 kg) in the wild; typically smaller in aquariums
  • Lifespan: Around 15–25 years in captivity with proper care
  • Appearance:
    • Deep, laterally compressed body
    • Silvery-gray coloration with a red or orange belly
    • Large, blunt head with human-like teeth (adapted for crushing plant material)

Diet & Feeding Habits

  • Diet Type: Omnivorous (Primarily Herbivorous)
  • Food in the Wild: Fruits, nuts, seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates
  • Food in Captivity:
    • Vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)
    • Fruits (banana, apples, melons)
    • Pellets and algae wafers
    • Occasional protein (shrimp, worms)

Unlike their piranha relatives, Red-Bellied Pacus prefer plant-based diets and play a role in seed dispersal in their native habitat.

Behavior & Temperament

  • Generally peaceful, especially when young
  • Can become territorial and aggressive in small tanks
  • Highly active swimmers that require a lot of space
  • Best kept alone or with other large, non-aggressive fish

Aquarium Requirements

  • Tank Size: At least 1000 Litres (250 gallons) (due to their large adult size)
  • Water Parameters:
    • Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)
    • pH: 6.0–7.5
    • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
  • Tank Setup:
    • Strong filtration (they produce a lot of waste)
    • Open swimming areas
    • Driftwood and plants (though they may eat them)

Interesting Facts

  • Sometimes called "Vegetarian Piranhas" because of their similar appearance but non-aggressive nature.
  • Their teeth resemble human molars, designed for crushing hard plant material.
  • Known for their rapid growth, which can make them unsuitable for small home aquariums.

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