Red-bellied Pacu

Piaractus brachypomus

Also known as: Pirapitinga, Red Pacu, Vegetarian Piranha

Sold as a cute piranha look-alike, it grows into a heavy fish of 2 to 3 feet.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

74–82°F

pH

6–7.5

Hardness

2–20 dGH

Max size

30 in

Min tank

1000 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Middle

Diet

Omnivore

Care level

Expert

Lifespan

15-20 years

Breeding

Egg-scatterer

Suitability

Kept but not recommended

Origin

Amazon and Orinoco river basins, South America

Not suitable for home aquariums: juveniles outgrow any normal tank within a year or two and need pond-sized systems. Eats plants and small fish and produces heavy waste. Never release one into the wild; contact a public aquarium or specialist for rehoming.