Red-bellied Pacu

The maximum recorded length of an adult specimen reached 88 cm, although fish usually do not exceed 60 cm. Sexual dimorphism in this species is weakly expressed, making it difficult to distinguish males and females. The Red-bellied Pacu is often sold under the name "Vegetarian Piranha" due to its external resemblance to this formidable Amazonian predator. The fish has a laterally compressed body and relatively small fins. The coloration is dark gray, and in young individuals, the belly has a characteristic red color, which fades and is lost with age.

Its origin is associated with the extensive Amazon River basin in South America. Its range covers the territories of Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru. This species has also been successfully introduced to Asia, where it is used as a commercial fish. Its natural habitat includes river channels and tropical forest floodplains, which are regularly flooded during the rainy season. The Red-bellied Pacu prefers shallow sections of rivers with slow currents, where there is floating or low-hanging vegetation. Young fish spend the first months of their lives in floodplains, where an abundance of food and a minimal number of predators are available to them.

This fish is distinguished by its peaceful, calm, and even somewhat shy disposition. It is well compatible with many species, with the exception of very small inhabitants. Large, adult individuals can coexist even with aggressive and predatory fish. The Red-bellied Pacu can live both alone and in a group.

The significant size of the Red-bellied Pacu requires an aquarium with a volume of thousands of liters. When keeping it, equipment plays a much more important role than decoration. The fish feels quite comfortable even in a completely empty tank, adorned with a couple of large stones. Plants are not needed in such an aquarium, as they will inevitably be eaten. Maintaining a stable biological system in aquariums with large fish involves serious expenditures of effort, knowledge, and experience. Therefore, it is recommended to involve professionals in the selection of equipment, installation of the aquarium, and its subsequent maintenance. For this reason, the details of keeping this species are beyond the scope of this article.

The diet of this fish is very diverse and includes almost everything that can fit into its mouth: nuts, fruits, seeds, as well as insects and their larvae, crustaceans, worms, and small fish. However, the basis of the diet is still plant-based food. In a home aquarium, you can offer pieces of apples, bananas, peaches, carrots, zucchini, as well as peas and grapes.

No successful breeding cases of this species have been recorded in aquarium conditions. Offspring are obtained at large fish farms in South America and the Far East using hormonal methods.

This fish is noted for its high endurance and unpretentiousness. Health problems only arise when kept in unsuitable conditions or with poor-quality feeding.

When purchasing, choose active fry without visible damage, ulcers, or film on the scales. It is important to note that in pet stores, juveniles are often sold under the name "herbivorous piranha" due to the bright coloration of their chest and belly, which disappears as they mature. It is highly recommended to clarify the actual growth rate of the species with the seller, as the fish quickly increases in size and requires an aquarium of 2000 liters or more. Avoid individuals with signs of emaciation, sluggish behavior, or fin deformities. It is important to note that these fish have powerful jaws with broad teeth and are capable of inflicting serious bites, so caution is required during inspection, transfer and aquarium maintenance.