Como identificar Pacu

Para identificar Pacu (Myloplus), observe estas características principais.

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

1. 1

   Teeth

   The most distinguishing feature is their human-like, molariform teeth, which are broad and flat, designed for crushing. This contrasts sharply with the sharp, triangular teeth of piranhas.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Myloplus species have a deep, laterally compressed body, giving them a disc-like appearance, especially as adults.

3. 3

   Adipose Fin

   The presence of a small, fleshy adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins is a key characteristic of the family Serrasalmidae.

4. 4

   Coloration

   While variable, many Myloplus species exhibit silvery bodies with reddish or orange ventral regions and fins, particularly in juveniles and breeding adults. Some have distinct patterns like vertical bands.

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