Fish Species > Pacu

   Pacu. (Collossoma brachypomum).Max weight Thailand 10 kg/ 22 lb. Predatory/ Omnivorous.
The Red bellyed Pacu is a close relative of the Piranha group of fishes found in South America and is a member of the Characiformes (characins) family of fish. This fish feeds on small fish aquatic insects and various vegetation and seeds that fall into the river. Very similar to the feared Piranha in appearance the Red bellyed Pacu has an impressive set of blunt teeth much like those of a human, it is with these large teeth that the Pacu is able to crush seeds and nuts. The Red bellyed Pacu has been widely introduced throughout Thailand in freshwater commercial fisheries.