- Red bellied pacu
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Red bellied pacu Scientific classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae Subfamily: Serrasalminae Genus: Colossoma Species: C. bidens Binomial name Colossoma bidens
(Spix & Agassiz, 1829)The red bellied pacu, Colossoma bidens, is a close relative of the piranha, but it lacks sharp teeth and is not aggressive. The pacu, an omnivore, has jaws that are capable of crushing human bone[citation needed]. Despite its similar appearance to piranhas, the Pacu is not suited to eat meat very well, as its natural diet of nuts suggests. This fish grows very fast: it can grow as much as one foot in the first year, reaching a length of 30 inches (75 cm) at maturity. Though they are usually smaller in the aquarium.
In the aquarium
The red bellied pacu needs a 200 gallon tank to thrive. They grow very fast with proper care. The aquarium should be kept within the 78–82 °F (26–28 °C) temperature range and should be well filtered. They will eat any plants in the fish tank. They need pellets and vegetable matter to thrive. Live foods are necessary for breeding.
Sources
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