Piaractus brachypomus

(Cuvier, 1818)

Vernacular names
English : Red belly pacu
French : Pacu pirapitinga

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

Identification
The species grows to 88 cm in length for a weight of 25 kg. Round body and head shape. Coloration dark grey to silvery grey with black blotches on belly. Juveniles with red breast and belly, red cheeks sometimes, often fading.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in the Amazon river basin. The former Orinoco population has been raised to species level. Introduced in many countries worldwide. Lives in freshwater creeks, interconnected ponds and slow-moving rivers.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species’ status has yet to be assessed. It has a large range and seems to remain numerous despite possible overfishing and loss of habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

Back to “South-American characins” page