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How can you tell if a pacu is male or female?
Adult male pacus are identified by their pointed back and anal fins. The red color on the abdomen of the red belly pacu is also more intense in male fish.
Is a red belly pacu a piranha?
Sometimes known as the “vegetarian piranha,” the red-bellied pacu has square, straighter teeth like those of humans, which are primarily used to cut through vegetation in the water.
Are red bellied pacu aggressive?
Red bellied pacus are not aggressive fish and, though they prefer to be kept with others of their own species, they can be kept with other fish. Not only are these fish attractive and unique in appearance, but they can also be responsive to their owners.
How long can a pacu fish live?
about 15 years
They prefer to eat fruits, decaying plant matter, snails and grains as they would in the wild. However, at the Zoo they seem to accept a more varied diet. Black pacu are spawning fish, with the young living within floating vegetation in the black waters of the Amazon River basin. Pacu live about 15 years.
How fast do red belly pacu grow?
The red belly pacu will grow rather quickly and may reach 12 – 24 inches (30 – 61 cm) if properly taken care of. Given their potential adult size you will need an enormous tank to keep one at home, at least 250 gallons (940 liters). You will also need an extremely efficient aquarium filter to filter the tank water.
How big do red belly pacu get?
Can piranhas live with pacu fish?
Black pacu also make suitable tank mates for piranha fish. Although they like meaty meals, they’ll often fall for plant food. Even so, they’ll feed on small fish if they starved.
How big can a red belly pacu get?
30 inches
The Red Bellied Pacu is close related to Piranhas put are unlike their feared cousins vegetarians. They can grow very large and can sometimes reach 30 inches/ 75 cm but they usually don’t reach that size when kept in an aquarium tank. 12 inches / 30 cm is a more common size in aquariums.
How long does a red belly pacu live?
Lifespan : 5 – 15 years or longer. 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.
Pacu Care Details. Scientific Name : Piaractus brachypomum. Common Names : Red Pacu. Care Level : Moderate – Difficult (because of adult size) and they need an excellent aquarium filter. Size : 12 – 24 inches (30 – 61 cm) pH : 6.5 – 7.5. Temperature : 75°F – 80°F (24°C – 27°C) Lifespan : 5 – 15 years or longer.
How did the red bellied pacu get its name?
Young Red Bellied Pacu have red bellies, which is where they get their name. This adaptation is perhaps used to “confuse” potential predators into thinking they are Piranhas. However, older Pacu do not possess this as they are too large to be attacked by most Amazonian fish.
What should I Feed my red belly pacu?
The Red Belly Pacu will accept flake foods in the home aquarium but will need to be given pellets as they grow in size. It’s probably best to keep them in tanks without live plants because they may eat your live plants. Use caution when selecting tank mates for this fish.
Is it time to change red belly pacu’s water?
If your Pacu is sitting just below the surface of the water and gulps for air then there may be high levels of Nitrite or Nitrate in your tank. If your Nitrate levels are above 40 ppm (parts per million) then its time for a water change, its the only way to remove these poisons from you tank.