Red Belly Pacu Fish (Colossoma macropomum)
Red Belly Pacu Fish (Colossoma macropomum)
The Gentle Giant of the Amazon Basin
Scientific Name: Colossoma macropomum
Common Name: Red Belly Pacu
Origin: Amazon and Orinoco River Basins, South America
Adult Size: Up to 30 inches
Temperament: Generally peaceful
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Minimum Tank Size: 300+ gallons
Description:
The Red Belly Pacu is a fascinating, herbivorous cousin of the infamous Piranha—often mistaken for one due to their similar body shape and red-orange bellies. However, unlike their carnivorous relatives, Pacus are gentle giants that prefer plant matter, fruits, and nuts in the wild. These fish are intelligent, personable, and known to recognize their keepers.
Juveniles display striking silver bodies with a reddish-orange tint on their bellies and fins, which intensifies with age. They grow rapidly and can become quite large, making them more suitable for large aquariums or indoor ponds.
Care Requirements:
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Diet: Omnivorous, with a preference for plant-based foods such as leafy greens, fruits (like grapes, bananas, apples), high-quality pellets, and occasional protein.
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Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75–82°F
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pH: 6.5–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
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Tank Setup: Due to their size and activity level, Pacus need ample swimming space, robust filtration, and secure lids, as they may jump when startled.
Behavior & Compatibility:
Despite their intimidating appearance, Red Belly Pacus are typically peaceful and can coexist with similarly sized non-aggressive fish. Avoid housing them with very small tankmates, as accidental ingestion is possible. They're best kept singly or in large groups if space allows, as this mimics their social behavior in the wild.
Why Choose a Red Belly Pacu?
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Striking, unique appearance with vivid red hues
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Peaceful disposition and high intelligence
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Perfect for large, Amazon-themed displays
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Engaging and interactive with their caretakers
Resembles the Piranha but is an herbivore.
Size is around 1.5 inches.
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Fish
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