Black pacu - Colossoma macropomum

Scientific name: Colossoma macropomum

Common name: Black pacu

Family: Serrasalmidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 90 - 100 cm (35.43 - 39.37 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 18°N (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food

The Black Pacu is omnivorous and will eat anything although many say that this fish is primarily herbivorous.

Sexing

The male’s dorsal and anal fins are more pointed than the female’s.

Breeding

Not much information has been documented about the breeding of Black pacu’s although several studies have been conducted on ways to induce spawning through the use of hormones.

Lifespan

Black pacu will live for over 20 years in the wild and can possibly live that long in captivity if they are well cared for.

Colossoma macropomum is endemic to the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins of South America.

Description

Colossoma macropomum quickly grows to be very large and rarely makes a great aquarium fish. It will get to be over 3 feet in length and weigh over 65 pounds. The Black Pacu is used in aquaculture for consumption because it is quick growing and easy to raise.

Q&A

Moved here from aqua-fish.net/answers on March 24th 2011.What fish will not go with Pacu?Answer: Every fish which is small enough to fit Pacu’s mouth. Pacu’s are not predators in general, but they will not ignore small fish which look like food for them.Feel free to visit Pacu Care Basics at firsttankguide.net too!

Pictures

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.