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Myloplus schomburgkii, commonly known as Pacu-prata, is a species of freshwater fish belonging to the family Serrasalmidae. It is characterized by its deep, laterally compressed body and a distinctive vertical black bar that extends from the dorsal fin to the anal fin, particularly prominent in juveniles and subadults. Adults tend to lose some of this intensity. This species is known for its herbivorous to omnivorous diet, primarily consuming fruits, seeds, and plant matter, and plays a significant role in seed dispersal in its native Amazonian and Guianan river systems. It is a popular aquarium fish due to its striking appearance and relatively peaceful nature, though its potential large size requires substantial tank space.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- compressed
- Coloração
- Silvery-grey body, often with a yellowish or reddish tint on the ventral side. Juveniles and subadults exhibit a prominent, broad, vertical black bar extending from the dorsal fin base to the anal fin base. This bar may fade or become less distinct in larger adults. Fins are typically hyaline to dusky, sometimes with reddish hues, especially in the anal and caudal fins.
- Tipo de escama
- cycloid
- Posição da boca
- terminal
- Características distintivas
- Deep, laterally compressed body, Prominent vertical black bar (especially in younger individuals), Small, molariform teeth adapted for crushing plant matter, Relatively small head compared to body size
- Nadadeira dorsal
- Single dorsal fin, typically with 10-12 soft rays. Originates anterior to the pelvic fin base.
- Nadadeira caudal
- Forked caudal fin, often with a dusky or reddish tint.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Paired pectoral fins, relatively small.
- Nadadeiras características
- Anal fin is long, with 24-28 soft rays, often with a reddish hue. Pelvic fins are small and located abdominally.
Dicas de identificação
Body Shape and Coloration
Look for the deep, compressed, silvery body. The most definitive feature is the broad, vertical black bar in the middle of the body, which is very clear in juveniles and subadults. This bar distinguishes it from many other Myloplus species.
Dentition
If possible to observe, the small, molar-like teeth are characteristic of its herbivorous diet, differentiating it from piranhas (Serrasalmus spp.) which have sharp, pointed teeth.
Fin Morphology
Note the long anal fin and the forked caudal fin. The overall fin shape and ray counts can be used for precise identification by ichthyologists.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- freshwater
- Profundidade
- Typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters, often associated with submerged vegetation and flooded forests.
- Ambiente
- Inhabits large rivers, tributaries, and flooded forest areas (igapós and várzeas). Prefers areas with moderate to slow currents, abundant submerged roots, and leaf litter. During the dry season, they may retreat to deeper river channels.
- Distribuição geográfica
- Native to the Amazon and Essequibo River basins in South America, including parts of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: intermediate
- Temperamento: peaceful
- Alimentação: herbivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 750 liters (200 gallons) for adults
- Temperatura: 23-28 °C (73-82 °F)
- Nível de pH: 5.5-7.5
- Dureza da água: 2-15 dGH
- Compatibilidade: Generally compatible with other large, peaceful to semi-aggressive fish that can tolerate similar water parameters. Avoid very small fish that could be seen as prey, and overly aggressive species.
- Requisitos especiais: Requires a spacious aquarium with strong filtration due to its size and diet. Provide plenty of open swimming space, along with some driftwood and large, smooth rocks for enrichment. Live plants may be consumed, so robust or artificial plants are recommended. A varied diet of high-quality pellets, flakes, and fresh plant matter (e.g., blanched vegetables, fruits) is essential.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: least concern
- Sazonalidade: Spawning typically occurs during the rainy season when water levels are high and food resources are abundant. Migratory patterns are often linked to seasonal flooding, with fish moving into flooded forests for feeding and reproduction.
- Preço de mercado: Varies depending on size and region, typically moderate for aquarium trade.
- Importância comercial: medium
- Sabor: Mild, often described as white fish with a slightly sweet flavor.
- Textura: Flaky and firm.
- Métodos de preparo: Grilled, Baked, Fried, Stewed
- Valor nutricional: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fatos principais
Seed Disperserbehavior
Myloplus schomburgkii, like many other pacu species, plays a crucial ecological role as a seed disperser. By consuming fruits and seeds from flooded forest trees and subsequently excreting them, they contribute significantly to the regeneration and biodiversity of Amazonian and Guianan ecosystems.
Dietary Shiftbehavior
While primarily herbivorous, juveniles of Myloplus schomburgkii may consume a higher proportion of insects and small invertebrates, gradually shifting to a predominantly plant-based diet as they mature and grow larger.
Taxonomic Historyevolution
The genus Myloplus has undergone significant taxonomic revisions. Myloplus schomburgkii was originally described as Myletes schomburgkii by Jardine in 1841. Recent phylogenetic studies have helped clarify its placement within the Serrasalmidae family, distinguishing it from other pacu and piranha genera.
Aquarium Longevityinteresting
With proper care and a sufficiently large environment, Myloplus schomburgkii can live for over 10 years in captivity, making it a long-term commitment for aquarists.
Informações de segurança
Seguro- Nível de segurança: safe
- Venenoso: Não
- Comestibilidade: edible
- Observações de manuseio: Myloplus schomburgkii is not venomous. When handling, care should be taken due to its potential size and strong body, which can cause minor abrasions if it struggles. Its teeth, while adapted for crushing, are not designed for biting flesh aggressively, but caution is always advised when handling any large fish.
Espécies similares
Red-bellied Pacu
Myloplus rubripinnis
Myloplus rubripinnis typically lacks the prominent vertical black bar of M. schomburgkii. It often exhibits a reddish coloration on the belly and fins, which can be more extensive than in M. schomburgkii. The body shape can also be slightly different, with M. rubripinnis sometimes appearing more rounded.
Silver Dollar
Metynnis argenteus
Metynnis argenteus is generally smaller and has a more perfectly circular body shape. While also silvery, it lacks the distinct black bar of M. schomburgkii. Its fins are typically hyaline without the reddish tints often seen in M. schomburgkii.
Black-barred Silver Dollar
Myleus setiger
Myleus setiger also has a black bar, but it is typically narrower and often more crescent-shaped or irregular compared to the broad, straight bar of M. schomburgkii. M. setiger also tends to have a more elongated body profile and a more pointed snout.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordem
- Characiformes
- Família
- Serrasalmidae
- Gênero
- Myloplus
- Espécie
- Myloplus schomburgkii
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