Red Belly Pacu

The Red Belly Pacu is an infamous fish among pet store owners. Red Belly Pacus are generally sold at about two inches and returned ten years later at about two feet. This fish is a great pet fish and a companion to fish of similar size, but the pacu will eat smaller fish. The red belly pacu looks like the red belly piranha and is indeed in the same family. The main difference between the piranha and the pacu is the teeth. The pacu has teeth like a cow; the piranha has teeth like - well - a piranha, very sharp. Pacu prefer veggies but will eat anything.

One note on transitioning pacus or any metynnis to new places: they tend to break out in ich (small white spots). So temperature should be warm and the tank should not be overcrowded. A little ich medicine on hand is a good idea in general. If they do break out, treat as prescribed and they should be fine in a week.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Pacu grow very large and fast. Give them open swimming space, strong filtration and a heavy, tight lid.

Feeding: Feed a quality pellet once or twice a day. They also enjoy vegetables and fruit.

Tankmates: Pacu are peaceful but very large, so keep them only with other large fish.

Good to know: Pacu grow very fast, so check their adult size before buying.