Pacu Fish Information

Pacu is a type of fish that lives in South America. It is usually thought of to be a kind of piranhas (carnivore fish).

But unlike the piranhas, Pacu Fish are herbivores, i.e. they feed on herbs and other vegetation. Yet, local residents and experts noticed that Pacu Fish may feed also on very small fish and other tiny sea creatures and insects. Pacu Fish may live up to several years even when placed in large aquariums.

Pacu Fish is often described as having human-like teeth, which are its tool for chopping sea herbs and other food sources.
Teeth are another point of difference with the piranhas, as the latter usually have sharp bladed ones.
Now, even though the Pacu Fish's teeth are not as powerful as the piranha's, they may still be dangerous weapons that humans must deal with taking extreme precautions.

This fish type likes having company. It was observed that a Pacu Fish gets more active in the presence of another Pacu, but also in the presence of a few other kind of fish such as the Catfish and Arowana.

Pacu Fish are available in many South American stores, but are also exported elsewhere in the world. Some people like to have them as a replacement to the traditional home gold fish.
Yet, because of their dental system which is close to the human one, they are not to be considered such a friendly home animal.

It is important to be noted though that Pacu Fish are losing their reputation in fish and pet stores because of their natural growth. A Pacu Fish can reach up to 60 centimeters in length, a size big enough to discourage the potential owners from wasting their much needed space.
It was also noticed that many home aquarium lovers tend to get rid of this fish once it reaches a certain size limit.