Come identificare Red-bellied Pacu

Per identificare Red-bellied Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus), osserva queste caratteristiche chiave.

Caratteristiche fisiche

Forma del corpo

compressed

Colorazione

Juveniles typically exhibit a silvery body with a prominent red or orange patch on the belly and lower flanks, often extending to the anal fin. As they mature, the red coloration fades, and adults become more uniformly dark grey to blackish, sometimes with a lighter belly. The operculum may have a reddish tint.

Tipo di squame

cycloid

Posizione della bocca

terminal

Caratteristiche distintive

Deep, laterally compressed body, Large, robust scales, Adipose fin present, Strong, molar-like teeth, resembling human dentition, Absence of a keel on the belly (distinguishes from some Colossoma species)

Pinna dorsale

Single, relatively short dorsal fin with 10-11 soft rays, positioned mid-body.

Pinna caudale

Large, deeply forked caudal fin, often with a darker margin.

Pinna pettorale

Well-developed pectoral fins, typically clear or slightly dusky.

Pinne distintive

Anal fin is relatively long, extending from behind the pelvic fins to near the caudal peduncle, with 24-28 soft rays. Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally. Adipose fin is small and fleshy.

Consigli per l'identificazione

1. 1

   Dentition

   The most definitive feature is their unique, human-like molariform teeth, adapted for crushing seeds and nuts. This distinguishes them from piranhas, which have sharp, pointed, interlocking teeth.

2. 2

   Body Shape and Coloration

   Deep, compressed body. Juveniles have a distinct red belly, which fades in adults to a more uniform dark grey/black. The body is generally deeper and more rounded than many piranha species.

3. 3

   Adipose Fin

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

4. 4

   Absence of Ventral Keel

   Unlike some species in the genus Colossoma (e.g., Colossoma macropomum), Piaractus brachypomus lacks a prominent, serrated keel on its belly.

Esplora Red-bellied Pacu