Colossoma Brachypomum - Red Pacu

$16.00

The Red Pacu (Colossoma brachypomum) is a powerhouse addition to large-scale freshwater systems, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a deep-bodied, silver profile with a striking red chest and belly, this robust species is a master of the "Answering Machine" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological control for maintaining a clean environment in massive displays. It is a dedicated and opportunistic forager, making it a functional cornerstone of a specialized mega-fish ecosystem.

This exceptionally hardy species thrives in established systems with massive swimming space and high-efficiency filtration to manage its biological load. While juveniles resemble Piranhas, the Red Pacu is primarily a vegetarian-leaning omnivore with a peaceful yet bold temperament. To ensure long-term health, provide a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, fruits, vegetables, and occasional meaty treats.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Moderate (due to size)

  • Temperament: Peaceful but robust

  • Minimum Tank Size: 250+ Gallons

  • Diet: Omnivore/Herbivore

  • Max Size: 24+ Inches

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 82°F, KH 10 to 20, pH 6.5 to 7.5

Husbandry Notes

The Red Pacu is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "high-presence impact" in a large display or indoor pond. Its massive size and deliberate movement add a layer of kinetic interest to the mid-water column that few other species can match. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, it is widely considered an essential "specimen fish" for those with the infrastructure to house large characins. For maximum success, ensure the aquarium is equipped with heavy-duty equipment, as larger specimens can be quite powerful.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery from our Chicago-area facility to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from our facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.

The Red Pacu (Colossoma brachypomum) is a powerhouse addition to large-scale freshwater systems, blending high-impact aesthetics with essential utility. Featuring a deep-bodied, silver profile with a striking red chest and belly, this robust species is a master of the "Answering Machine" era of fish keeping—serving as a natural biological control for maintaining a clean environment in massive displays. It is a dedicated and opportunistic forager, making it a functional cornerstone of a specialized mega-fish ecosystem.

This exceptionally hardy species thrives in established systems with massive swimming space and high-efficiency filtration to manage its biological load. While juveniles resemble Piranhas, the Red Pacu is primarily a vegetarian-leaning omnivore with a peaceful yet bold temperament. To ensure long-term health, provide a varied diet of high-quality sinking pellets, fruits, vegetables, and occasional meaty treats.

Note: Images shown are stock images and not the actual fish you will receive.

Quick Specs

  • Care Level: Moderate (due to size)

  • Temperament: Peaceful but robust

  • Minimum Tank Size: 250+ Gallons

  • Diet: Omnivore/Herbivore

  • Max Size: 24+ Inches

  • Water Conditions: 72 to 82°F, KH 10 to 20, pH 6.5 to 7.5

Husbandry Notes

The Red Pacu is a strategic choice for hobbyists looking for "high-presence impact" in a large display or indoor pond. Its massive size and deliberate movement add a layer of kinetic interest to the mid-water column that few other species can match. In the context of modern freshwater keeping, it is widely considered an essential "specimen fish" for those with the infrastructure to house large characins. For maximum success, ensure the aquarium is equipped with heavy-duty equipment, as larger specimens can be quite powerful.

Expert Shipping & Logistics

We’ve dialed in the logistics for national Overnight Delivery from our Chicago-area facility to ensure your livestock arrives in peak condition. Every order is packed using professional-grade insulation and climate-contingent heat or ice packs, designed to maintain stable temperatures throughout the journey. We handle the technical side of the move so you can focus on the acclimation. Our protocol is built on getting these fish from our facility to your tank with zero compromise on health or vitality.