Details
Piaractus brachypomus
The red-bellied pacu is a large characin related to piranhas but equipped for a broad omnivorous diet. In flooded South American forests it feeds heavily on fruits and seeds.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It inhabits large rivers, lakes, floodplains, and forest freshwater in the Neotropics. During floods it moves into inundated forest to feed on fallen fruit.
Length 50-88 cm; weight 15 kg-25 kg. A deep compressed body often shows reddish color on the belly. Broad molar-like teeth can crush seeds and plant material.
Diurnal and loosely schooling, it moves through rivers and floodplains. Seasonal water levels shape its feeding movements.
An omnivore, it eats fruits, seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates. Plant foods are important, and it can help disperse seeds.
Spawning is linked to rising waters in the rainy season. Eggs and larvae spread through currents and floodplain habitats, where young grow in rich shallows.
It is listed as Least Concern, though local populations can still be affected by habitat change, collection, or pollution.
