Black Red Bellied Pacu vs. Silver

[Allison Reed]

I currently have a 100 gallon tank that, in a month or two, is only going to have a 4 inch tiger oscar. I wanted to buy a pacu, because i'v ehad experience raising the two species in a 100 gallon, and they both got 12-14 inches and lived peaceful...kind of. My pacu ended up eatin gone of my oscar's eyes, but they lived peacefully other than that, and when we water changed the pacu LOVEd to leap out and bite us.

Are having the two species together in a 100 too small?
and what is the difference between the black and the silver versions? Somebody said the black species gets to 5 feet, but they were at Petco..and you can NEVER believe them

 

[KSierra]

Having a pacu in a 100g is way too small. You may have done this before but you stunted the growth of the pacu. I would not suggest putting a pacu in anything smaller then a 400g tank and I think eventually it will outgrow it. Pacu regardless of species get large way too large to put in a tank of a 100 gallons.

 

[vfrex]

Red pacu get to 3feet, maybe more. Just ask mojo.

Black pacu aren't as common, but they are said to get bigger than reds by a couple of feet.

 

[Harry Tolen]

A red-bellied pacu will grow to a good 24 inches when well-housed and fed. 300 gallons+ would be my recommendation for a minimum habitat for these fish. And they're a lifetime commitment, as their lifespan is easily 20+ years. I have a friend who has one that is around 27, and shows no signs of slowing down (the pacu, not the friend).

So I don't recommend a pacu for your 100 gallon setup. Some nice rainbows or other dither/target fish, along with some synodontis catfish, would give you a lively tank with lots of activity and companionship for your oscar, who should then grow up to be a great pet and show-fish.

 

[rikbar]

I am perfect proof of how big a black pacu can get. I bought a used 150g tank last year and one of these great fish came with it. At the time I didn't know what I was getting into. As of present he now resides(sp) in a 300g "indoor pond", horse trough basically. He has been there for about 6 months now and is doing great, and still growing I might add. He is probably around 3 or so feet. I will be getting something bigger before to long, that is for sure!