Animals A-Z

Type of Animal: Fish (freshwater)
Habitat: Freshwater rivers, floodplains, and lakes in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins of South America. Prefers regions with dense forest cover, where fruits and nuts fall into the water.
Diet: Omnivorous; primarily feeds on fruits, nuts, seeds, and plant matter, with occasional small invertebrates.
Size: Omnivorous; primarily feeds on fruits, nuts, seeds, and plant matter, with occasional small invertebrates.
Lifespan: Can live for over 20 years in captivity, with some individuals reaching up to 25 years with proper care.

• Human-Like Teeth: One of the black pacu’s most distinctive features is its human-like teeth, large molars perfectly designed for crushing tough plant material, which allows them to process a wide variety of food sources.
• Flooded Forest Feasts: During the rainy season, black pacus swim through flooded forests, feasting on fruits and nuts that fall from the trees. By consuming and dispersing seeds, they play a key role in maintaining the health of the ecosystem, aiding in forest regeneration and supporting biodiversity.
• Piranha Relatives: Black pacus share a close evolutionary relationship with piranhas, as both belong to the same family, Serrasalmidae. While they may resemble their notorious cousins with their sharp teeth and strong jaws, black pacus are generally much larger and far less aggressive. Their docile nature and vegetarian diet make them an important part of the ecosystem, in contrast to the predatory behaviour often associated with piranhas.