Pacu

Descrição

Pacu is a common name used for several species of freshwater fish in the family Serrasalmidae, which also includes piranhas. Specifically, the genus Myloplus encompasses a diverse group of pacu species known for their deep, compressed bodies and distinctive dentition. Unlike their carnivorous piranha relatives, Myloplus species are primarily herbivorous or omnivorous, possessing human-like, molariform teeth adapted for crushing seeds, nuts, and fruits. They are native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America and are highly valued as food fish and, to a lesser extent, as ornamental fish.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

compressed

Coloração

Coloration varies significantly among Myloplus species. Juveniles often exhibit silvery bodies with red or orange fins, sometimes with dark spots or bars. Adults can range from silvery-grey to dark grey or black, often with reddish or orange coloration on the belly and fins, particularly during breeding season. Some species, like Myloplus schomburgkii, have distinct vertical black bands.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Deep, laterally compressed body, Small head relative to body size, Prominent, human-like molariform teeth adapted for crushing plant material, Long dorsal fin, often with a dark spot at the anterior base, Adipose fin present (a fleshy, rayless fin between the dorsal and caudal fins)

Nadadeira dorsal

Long and high, typically with 16-28 rays, often with a dark spot at the anterior base.

Nadadeira caudal

Forked, often with a dark band or margin.

Nadadeira peitoral

Relatively small and rounded.

Nadadeiras características

Presence of an adipose fin, a characteristic of the family Serrasalmidae. The anal fin is typically long and deep.

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

freshwater

Profundidade

Typically found in shallow to moderately deep waters, including flooded forests, oxbow lakes, and main river channels.

Ambiente

Native to large tropical rivers, their tributaries, and associated floodplains. They prefer areas with abundant submerged vegetation, fallen logs, and overhanging branches that provide cover and food sources. During the wet season, they migrate into flooded forests to feed on fruits and seeds.

Distribuição geográfica

Native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America, including countries such as Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia. Introduced populations exist in other parts of the world due to aquaculture and aquarium releases.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: advanced
• Temperamento: semi-aggressive
• Alimentação: omnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 1000 gallons (for adult specimens, as they grow very large)
• Temperatura: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
• Nível de pH: 6.0-7.5
• Dureza da água: 5-15 dGH
• Compatibilidade: Best kept in very large aquariums with other large, robust fish that can tolerate similar water parameters. Avoid keeping with smaller fish that could be seen as prey or fin-nipped. Can be kept in groups if the tank is sufficiently large to prevent territorial disputes.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires an extremely large aquarium with powerful filtration due to their size and waste production. A varied diet of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits (e.g., banana, apple, melon), vegetables (e.g., peas, lettuce), and occasional protein sources (e.g., earthworms, shrimp) is essential. Provide ample swimming space and sturdy decorations, as they can be destructive. Excellent water quality is paramount.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: least concern
• Sazonalidade: Spawning typically occurs during the rainy season when floodwaters provide access to inundated forests for feeding and breeding. Fishing activity often increases during dry seasons when fish are concentrated in main river channels.
• Preço de mercado: Varies significantly by species and region, but generally high for food fish.
• Importância comercial: high
• Sabor: Mild, slightly sweet, often described as similar to tilapia or cod.
• Textura: Firm, flaky, white flesh with few bones.
• Métodos de preparo: Grilled, Baked, Fried, Steamed, Smoked
• Valor nutricional: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordem

Characiformes

Família

Serrasalmidae

Gênero

Myloplus

Espécie

Multiple species within the genus, e.g., Myloplus schomburgkii, Myloplus rubripinnis, Myloplus asterias.

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