How to Identify Silver Pacu

To identify Silver Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults are predominantly silvery-grey, often with a darker dorsal region and a lighter belly. Juveniles and subadults frequently display a prominent reddish-orange patch on the ventral side, which tends to fade with age. Fins are typically dusky or grey.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Deep, laterally compressed body, Large, robust scales, Human-like molariform teeth adapted for crushing, Often a reddish-orange ventral patch in younger individuals, Adipose fin present

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively short-based dorsal fin, typically with 10-11 soft rays.

Tail fin

Large, deeply forked caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Teeth

   Examine the teeth; P. brachypomus has distinct, human-like molariform teeth, unlike the sharp, piranha-like teeth of Serrasalmus species.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Look for a deep, compressed body with silvery coloration. Juveniles often have a prominent red-orange belly patch that fades with age. The body is generally more rounded than that of a piranha.

3. 3

   Adipose Fin

   Note the presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin, which is characteristic of characins.

4. 4

   Size

   Adults can reach considerable sizes, up to 108 cm (42.5 inches) in total length and over 40 kg (88 lbs) in weight, making them one of the largest characins.

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