Black-Finned Pacus are very big Characins. This species requires the same care as its cousin the Black Pacu. Cousins to the Piranha, they generally lack the aggressive quality of their relatives. The body is dark grey with tiny scales; the belly and anal fin being dark grey or black. The fish may fade in color with age. Pacus are deep-bodied fish that are too large for most home aquariums and so are often seen in public aquaria. The Black-Finned Pacu is one of the largest Pacus, reaching a length of 5 feet under the right conditions.

Tank Setup

Large aquariums of 300 gallons or more are required to hold such a monster of a fish. Provide them with plants and lots of shelter in which to hide. When Pacus get frightened, they dart away from danger using their powerful speed. In the home aquarium, this can leave gallons of water on the floor, heaters broken, and tank decorations destroyed. It is advised that you plan ahead and don't buy a Pacu unless you have at least a five foot long, two feet wide tank tank. Single species are often kept, but they do like the company of their own kind, especially when young.

Feeding

In nature, Pacus enjoy eating the fruit that falls off of the trees of the Amazon. In the aquarium, they will eat a large variety of foods including grapes, peas, cichlid pellets, live foods, meaty foods, cherry tomatoes, and vegetable matter. If it looks edible the Pacu is sure to give it a try.

Water Chemistry

They can handle a large variation of water conditions such as a pH from 5.8-7.5. However, slightly acidic pH is recommended.

Breeding

Little is know about the breeding of these creatures and the only known sexual differences relates to another species, 'Piractus mesopotamicus', in which males have a more pointed dorsal fin than females. Pacus do make migratory spawning runs in large shoals.