Piaractus Brachypomum

Subject: Piaractus Brachypomum 7/7/2010, 9:12 am

Common Name: Red Belly Pacu

Care Level: Moderate - Difficult (because of adult size)

Size : 12 - 24 inches ( Depends of Size of Tank)

pH : 6.5 - 7.5

Temperature : 75°F - 80°F (24°C - 27°C)

Lifespan : 5 - 15 years or longer.

Origin / Habitat : South America, Amazon River

Temperament / Behavior : Generally peaceful and will take care of themselves against more aggressive tank mates. They may also eat smaller fish species if kept in the same tank.

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction : Egglayer, not common in home aquariums.

Tank Size : 250 gallon (946 liters) minimum but preferrably much larger tanks and ponds. This fish is best left in the wild or in public aquarium displays.

Compatible Tank Mates : Because of their huge adult size there are very few common aquarium species recommended. You would need to keep them with large fish making the aquarium size requirements difficult to attain in the home. One that may potentially be kept with them is the Common Pleco but you would need at minimum a 350 gallon tank to provide both of them with adequate water volume as adults. Arowanas are sometimes kept in the same tank as well (must be a huge tank). Sometimes sold mistakenly as the Red Belly Piranha.

Diet / Fish Food : An herbivore - provide a varied diet with pellet food and frozen food.

Tank Region : Mostly middle

Gender : Difficult to determine. May only be possible to determine gender differences in mature adults. Males may have more red on the belly.

Piaractus Brachypomum 06221010