🐟 Red-Bellied Pacu – (Piaractus brachypomus) – Large South American Characin for Sale
The Red-Bellied Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) is a massive, plant-eating relative of the piranha, native to the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins. Recognized by its deep, silver body and distinctive reddish-orange belly, the Pacu is a powerful, long-lived fish that can reach enormous sizes in captivity.
While juveniles are commonly sold in pet stores, the Red-Bellied Pacu is a species that 99% of aquarists cannot properly house for its entire life. A full-grown Pacu requires a 1,000+ gallon tank or indoor pond to live comfortably—keeping one for life in a 125-gallon aquarium is not fair to the fish. Unfortunately, many outgrow their tanks, leading to poor health, stunted growth, or surrender. The same is true for the Black Pacu and other large Colossoma/Piaractus species.
Although they resemble piranhas, Pacus are primarily herbivorous and best suited only for extremely large, custom-built aquariums or ponds with strong filtration and significant swimming space.
🔎 Quick Facts – Red-Bellied Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus)
😇 Behavior & Temperament
🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements
💧 Water Parameters – Red-Bellied Pacu Care
🍽️ Diet – Primarily Herbivorous
📋 Red-Bellied Pacu Care Overview Table
Feature | Details |
---|---|
🌍 Origin | Amazon & Orinoco River Basins |
📏 Max Size | 30–36 inches (76–91 cm) |
😇 Temperament | Peaceful, but requires massive space |
🏠 Tank Size | 1,000+ gallons (indoor pond ideal) |
⚗️ pH Range | 6.5–7.5 |
🌡️ Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
🍽️ Diet | Primarily herbivorous |
🎯 Ideal For | Large public aquariums or very experienced pond keepers |
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