Black Pacu
Colossoma macropomum
What you need to keep a Black Pacu
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pH
5.5–7.5
Temperature
24–30 °C
Max size
90 cm
Min tank
3000 L
Where to buy
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Black Pacu, also known as the Tambaqui, is the largest characin in South America and the second-largest scaled freshwater fish on the continent. In the wild, it feeds heavily on fruits and seeds that fall into flooded forests during the rainy season. Its powerful jaws can crack Brazil nut shells with ease. Even larger than the Red-bellied Pacu, adults regularly exceed 80 centimetres and can surpass 30 kilograms. It is a truly massive fish that demands pond-scale housing.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Black Pacu healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 3000L aquarium suits Black Pacu. Provide hiding spots and stable, well-filtered water; it suits a community setup.
Water parameters
Keep pH 5.5–7.5 and 24–30°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Herbivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Peaceful. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose tankmates of similar size and temperament with the same water needs. Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to eat it.
Breeding
Black Pacu is rarely bred in captivity; most SA hobbyists buy from shops and breeders.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Market intelligence
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Price history — last 90 days
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