BLACK PACU
Black Pacu are large South American freshwater fish closely related to piranhas, but their diet and teeth are very different. Their powerful, molar-like teeth help them crush fruits, seeds, nuts and other hard foods found throughout flooded forests and rivers.
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ABOUT BLACK PACU
The Black Pacu (Colossoma macropomum) is a large freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. Adults often move into flooded forests during seasonal floods, where fallen fruits and seeds become an important part of their diet.
Black Pacu are omnivores and enthusiastic feeders. Their diet can include nuts, grains, fruits, seeds, insects, snails and decaying plant material. Fruits and seeds make up a particularly important part of their natural diet, and Pacu can help disperse seeds throughout flooded forest habitats after consuming them.
Although Black Pacu are relatives of piranhas, their teeth look very different. Instead of the sharp triangular teeth associated with piranhas, Pacu have broad, strong teeth that resemble molars. These teeth are well suited for crushing hard foods such as nuts, seeds, fruit and snail shells.
Care & Conservation
Black Pacu are currently classified as Near Threatened. Their freshwater habitats depend on healthy rivers, floodplains and flooded forests. Protecting these ecosystems is especially important because Pacu play a role in moving seeds through flooded forests while also supporting fisheries and aquaculture throughout parts of South America.
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Visit Layton Aquarium & Wildlife Encounters and discover this giant South American freshwater fish up close.