Tank setup
A minimum 1500L aquarium suits Red-bellied Pacu. Provide hiding spots and stable water — this species thrives in a well-filtered community setup.
pH
6 - 7.5
Temperature
24° - 30 °C
Max size
70 cm
Min tank
1500 L
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What to know before you buy.
The Red-bellied Pacu is often sold as a "vegetarian piranha" due to its close resemblance to the red-bellied piranha, but this gentle giant grows vastly larger and has flat, molar-like teeth designed for crushing seeds and nuts rather than slicing flesh. Native to the Amazon basin, it can grow to over 60 centimetres and exceed 25 kilograms. Despite its peaceful temperament, its enormous adult size makes it one of the most commonly surrendered aquarium fish worldwide.
Key traits
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Red-bellied Pacu healthy in a South African setup.
A minimum 1500L aquarium suits Red-bellied Pacu. Provide hiding spots and stable water — this species thrives in a well-filtered community setup.
Keep pH 6–7.5 and 24–30°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Red-bellied Pacu is herbivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for monster fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Red-bellied Pacu is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in monster fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Red-bellied Pacu vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
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Price tracking started 18 Jul 2026 — chart builds as listings are updated
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Species that typically work alongside Red-bellied Pacu in a similar setup.
