Colossoma macropomum

(Cuvier, 1816)

Vernacular names
English : Cachama, Black Pacu
French : Pacu noir

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Characiformes
Family : Serrasalmidae (sometimes Characidae)
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Larger than red-belly pacu, body more ovoid and less round in shape, longer head. Coloration variable, golden-olive on upper half of body and black on lower half, sometimes all dark.

Range and habitat
South America, found in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins as wild forms. Farmed in many places. Occurs in large slugglish rivers, flooded forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species can be locally threatened by habitat destruction. However it is farmed and introduced in many places around the world, especially in Asia and North America.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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