RED PACU

Red Pacu – The Gentle Giant with a Splash of Red

The Red Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) is a massive, plant-loving cousin of the piranha—but don’t let the teeth fool you. Unlike its infamous relatives, the Red Pacu is a peaceful, herbivorous giant, making it a popular choice for aquarists with monster tanks and a love for personality-packed fish.

Juveniles showcase a brilliant cherry-red belly that fades slightly as they grow, but their size, round body, and steady temperament make them standout centerpieces in large freshwater aquariums. Whether you’re building a monster community or need a peaceful dither fish for predatory tankmates, the Red Pacu delivers both function and flair.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Piaractus brachypomus

• Common Names: Red Belly Pacu, Red Pacu

• Adult Size: 18–30 inches (can exceed 30” in optimal conditions)

• Temperament: Peaceful but powerful

• Tank Size: 300+ gallons recommended for adults

• Water Parameters: 74–82°F | pH 6.0–7.5 | Soft to moderately hard water

• Diet: Omnivore (primarily herbivore) – fruits, vegetables, algae wafers, pellets

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

Red Pacus thrive in:

• Large tanks or indoor ponds with wide swimming areas

• Strong filtration systems to handle high waste output

• Secure lids—they’re powerful jumpers!

Compatible with:

• Arowanas, Oscars, Peacock Bass, Silver Dollars, large catfish, Datnoids

• Avoid fragile fish or anything too small to avoid accidental injury

• Great dither fish for calming aggressive tankmates

Behavior:

• 🌿 Peaceful and social – can be kept solo or in groups

• 🧠 Highly intelligent and interactive – recognizes their keeper

• 🐟 Constant grazer – loves nibbling on greens and sinking foods

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Red Pacu is:

• ✅ Hand-selected for healthy fins, vibrant red belly, and strong growth rate

• ✅ Conditioned on a varied diet including fruits, greens, and pellets

• ✅ Shipped live with our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ A long-term companion for monster fish tanks, exotic aquascapes, or indoor freshwater ponds

📦 Add a true freshwater giant to your collection with the peaceful and iconic Red Pacu—a fish with power, presence, and personality. Now available at RobsAquatics.com.