View source for Pacu

{{Short description|Common name for several species of fish}}
{{About|several fish species commonly called "pacu"|the medical recovery unit|PACU|other uses|Pacu (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Paraphyletic group
| auto = yes
| image = Pacu_shedd.jpg
| image_caption = Large pacu at the  [[Shedd Aquarium]]
| display_parents = 0
| parent = Serrasalmidae
| includes_text = Genera
| includes = *''[[Colossoma]]''
*''[[Metynnis]]''
*''[[Mylesinus]]''
*''[[Myloplus]]''
*''[[Mylossoma]] ''
*''[[Ossubtus]]''
*''[[Piaractus]]''
*''[[Tometes]]''
*''[[Utiaritichthys]]''
}}
'''Pacu''' ({{IPA|pt|paˈku}}) is a common name used to refer to several species of omnivorous [[South America]]n freshwater [[Serrasalmidae|serrasalmid]] fish related to [[piranha]]s. Pacu and piranha do not have similar teeth, the main difference being jaw alignment; piranha have pointed, razor-sharp teeth in a pronounced [[underbite]], whereas pacu have squarer, straighter teeth and a less severe underbite, or a slight [[malocclusion|overbite]].<ref name="Arkansas" /> Pacu, unlike piranha, mainly feed on plant material and not flesh or [[Fish scale|scales]].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Encyclopedia of Animals|last1=Walters|first1=Martin|last2=Johnson|first2=Jinny|publisher=Marks and Spencer p.l.c|year=2003|isbn=1-84273-964-6|pages=113}}</ref> Additionally, the pacu can reach much larger sizes than piranha, at up to {{convert|1.08|m|ftin|frac=2|abbr=on}} in total length and {{convert|40|kg|lb|abbr=on}} in weight.<ref name=fbColossoma>{{FishBase|genus=Colossoma|species=macropomum|year=2017|month=March}}</ref>
==Name==
The common name ''pacu'' is generally applied to fish classified under the below listed [[Genus|genera]].<ref name="opefepacu"/> Among these, several genera contain species where commonly used English names include the word ''pacu'', as listed.<ref name=Nico2013/><ref>{{FishBase genus | genus = Piaractus| month = March | year = 2017}}</ref>
*''[[Colossoma]]'' – black pacu, black-finned pacu, giant pacu
*''[[Metynnis]]''
*''[[Mylesinus]]''
*''[[Myleus]]''
*''[[Myloplus]]''
*''[[Mylossoma]] ''
*''[[Ossubtus]]'' – parrot pacu, eaglebeak pacu
*''[[Piaractus]]'' – red-bellied pacu, small-scaled pacu
*''[[Tometes]]''
*''[[Utiaritichthys]]''
Each of these groups contains one or more separate species. For example, the fish often found in pet stores known as the black pacu and red-bellied pacu typically belong to the species ''[[Colossoma macropomum]]'' and ''[[Piaractus brachypomus]]'', respectively.<ref name=SFPb>SeriouslyFish: [http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/piaractus-brachypomus/ Piaractus brachypomus.] Retrieved 13 March 2017.</ref><ref name=SFCm>SeriouslyFish: [http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/colossoma-macropomum/ Colossoma macropomum.] Retrieved 13 March 2017.</ref> A species popular among [[fish farm]]ers is ''[[Piaractus mesopotamicus]]'', also known as Paraná River pacu or small-scaled pacu.<ref>Nico, L.; and B. Loftus (7 October 2012). [https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=428 Piaractus mesopotamicus.] USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Retrieved 13 March 2017.</ref>
Pacu is a term of [[Tupi–Guarani languages|Tupi-Guaraní]] origin. When the large fish of the genus ''Colossoma'' entered the aquarium trade in the U.S. and other countries, they were labeled pacu. In the [[Brazilian Amazon]], the term ''pacu'' is generally reserved to smaller and medium-sized fish in the ''Metynnis'', ''Mylossoma'', ''Mylesinus'' and ''Myleus'' genera. ''Colossoma macropomum'' are known as tambaqui, whereas ''Piaractus brachypomus'' is known as pirapitinga. In Peru, both of the species (''Colossoma macropomum'' and ''Piaractus brachypomum'') are called pacú and gamitana. ''Piaractus mesopotamicus'' of the [[Paraná River|Paraná]]-[[Paraguay River|Paraguay]] basin is also called pacú in Paraguay and Argentina.<ref>Mulca, P. (26 April 2013). [http://www.pezadicto.com/pacu-chato-piaractus-mesopotamicus/ Piaractus mesopotamicus.] PezAdicto Retrieved 13 March 2017.</ref>
== Classification ==
[[File:Colossoma-brachypomus.jpg|right|thumb|300px|''Colossoma macropomum'' (black pacu), at the [[New England Aquarium]]]]
Pacu, along with their piranha relatives, are a characin fish, meaning a kind of [[tetra]], belonging to the [[Characiformes]] order. The ongoing classification of these fish is difficult and often contentious, with [[ichthyologist]]s basing ranks according to characteristics that may overlap irregularly. DNA research sometimes confounds rather than clarifies species ranking. Ultimately, classifications can be rather arbitrary.<ref name="opefeserra" />
Pacu, along with piranha, are currently further classified into the family [[Serrasalmidae]] (formerly a subfamily of [[Characidae]]). Serrasalmidae means "serrated salmon family" and refers to the serrated keel running along the belly of these fish. However, dental characteristics and feeding habits further separate the two groups from each other.<ref name="opefeserra" />
==Native distribution and habitat==
Pacus are native to tropical and [[subtropical]] South America. They inhabit rivers, lakes, [[floodplain]]s and [[flooded forest]]s in the [[Amazon basin|Amazon]], [[Orinoco]], [[São Francisco River]] and [[Río de la Plata Basin]]s, as well as rivers in the [[Guianas]]. Here they form part of the highly diverse [[Neotropical fish]] fauna. Their habitat preferences varies significantly depending on the exact species. Several species are [[Fish migration|migratory]].<ref name=Lima2003>Araujo-Lima, C.A.R.M.; and M.L. Ruffino (2004). Migratory Fishes of the Brazilian Amazon. Pp. 233–302 in: Carolsfeld, J.; B. Harvey; C. Ross; and A. Baer (editors). Migratory Fishes of South America. {{ISBN|0-9683958-2-1}}</ref>
==As exotic species==
[[File:Pacu (Lago Jose Assu, Brazil).jpg|alt=watercolor of a Pacu|thumb|19th century watercolor of a Pacu painted by Jacques Burkhardt]]
Pacus have been [[Introduced species|introduced]] to the wild in many places outside their native range, both in South America and other continents. They are sometimes released to increase the local fishing, but others are released by [[aquarist]]s when they outgrow their aquarium. This is illegal in many countries and strongly advised against.<ref name=SFPb/><ref name=SFCm/> When becoming established they can be [[invasive species]] that damage the local ecosystem.<ref name=ADNG/> In many regions where individuals have been seen they are unlikely to survive long-term because of temperature. Among the large pacu species (''[[Colossoma]]'' and ''[[Piaractus]]''), the most cold-adapted species is ''[[Piaractus mesopotamicus]]'', which tolerates water down to {{convert|15|C|F|abbr=on}}, but stops feeding below {{convert|18|C|F|abbr=on}}.<ref name=Agostinho>A. A. Agostinho, L. C. Gomes, H. I. Suzuki, H. Ferreira Júlio Jr: ''Migratory fishes of the Upper Paraná River basin, Brazil.'' Núcleo de Pesquisas em Limnologia, Ictiologia e Aquicultura (Nupelia). Universidade Estadual de Maringá. Maringá, Paraná, Brazil.</ref>
===United States===
Pacus have become established in [[Puerto Rico]] and singles have been caught in numerous [[U.S. state]]s.<ref name=Nico2013>Nico, L.; P. Fuller; and M. Neilson (22 October 2013). [https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=418 Colossoma macropomum.] USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL. Retrieved 13 March 2017.</ref> Discoveries have been reported in [[Alabama]],<ref name="ALcatch" /> [[Arizona]],<ref name="Arizona">{{cite news
|title=Woman catches piranha relative in Yuma area
|publisher=azcentral.com (Associated Press)
|date=2006-07-10
|url=http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0710az-fishtale10-ON.html
}}{{dead link|date=June 2011}}</ref> [[Arkansas]],<ref name="Arkansas" /> [[California]],<ref name="California">
{{cite news
|url=http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=68400
|title=Piranha in Lake Don Pedro? Fish Find Flusters Fishermen
|date=2009-10-08
|publisher=News10.net, Sacramento, California
|access-date=14 April 2011
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118183050/http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=68400
|archive-date=18 January 2010
|url-status=dead
}}
</ref> [[Colorado]],<ref name="Colorado">{{cite news
|url=http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/9495320/detail.html
|title=Foreign Creature Found in Cherry Creek Reservoir
|date=2006-07-12
|publisher=TheDenverChannel.com, [[Denver, Colorado]]
|access-date=12 July 2006
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926235117/http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/9495320/detail.html
|archive-date=26 September 2007
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> [[Florida]],<ref name="Florida">{{cite news
|url=http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/local/so-called-testicle-eating-fish-found-in-sarasota-waters/article_ebdc8fb4-0cfb-11e4-abd1-0017a43b2370.html
|title=So-called testicle-eating fish found in Sarasota waters
|date=2014-07-17
|publisher=MySuncoast.com, [[Sarasota, Florida]]
|access-date=17 July 2014
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140719021806/http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/local/so-called-testicle-eating-fish-found-in-sarasota-waters/article_ebdc8fb4-0cfb-11e4-abd1-0017a43b2370.html
|archive-date=19 July 2014
|url-status=dead
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cornell |first=Tom |date=2010-09-07 |title=Fish Caught in Deltona Lake Was a Pacu not a Piranha |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2010/09/07/fish-in-deltona-lake-was-a-pacu-not-a-piranha/ |website=[[Orlando Sentinel]] |place=Florida}}</ref> [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]],<ref name="Georgia">{{cite news|url=http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=485&txtPage=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903074205/http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga.us/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=485&txtPage=3|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 September 2009|title=Georgia DNR}}</ref> [[Hawaii]],<ref name="Nico2013" /> [[Iowa]], [[Idaho]],<ref name="Idaho">{{cite news
|url=http://www.2news.tv/features/outdoor/8902362.html
|title=Pirhanna-like Fish Caught in Lake Lowell
|publisher=2news.tv, Nampa, Idaho
|date=2007-08-03
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928170906/http://www.2news.tv/features/outdoor/8902362.html
|archive-date=28 September 2007
}}</ref>
[[Illinois]],<ref name="Illinois">{{cite news
|url         = http://blogs.suntimes.com/bowman/2009/08/lake_michigan_pacu_a_historica.html
|title       = Lake Michigan pacu: A historical perspective
|newspaper   = [[Chicago Sun-Times]]
|date        = 2009-08-17
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20120713041134/http://blogs.suntimes.com/bowman/2009/08/lake_michigan_pacu_a_historica.html
|archive-date = 13 July 2012
}}</ref>
[[Indiana]],<ref name="Indiana">{{cite news
|url         = http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20090824%2FLOCAL%2F90824057
|title       = Lafayette man catches piranha in Wabash
|publisher   = indystar.com, Indianapolis, Indiana
|date        = 2009-08-24
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090827142657/http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20090824%2FLOCAL%2F90824057
|archive-date = 27 August 2009
}}</ref> [[Kansas]],<ref name="Nico2013" /> [[Kentucky]],<ref name="KYcatch">{{cite web
|title=Piaractus brachypomus. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database
|access-date=2010-07-28
|first=Pam
|last=Fuller
|date=2007-10-11
|url=https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=427
|publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior – U.S. Geological Survey, Gainesville, Florida}}</ref>
[[Maine]],<ref name="MEcatch">{{cite news
|title=MDIFW: Illegal Pacu Captured in Limestone Brook; Man Charged
|date=2010-07-27
|url=http://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/index.php?topic=Portal+News&id=118540&v=article-2008
|publisher=Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Augusta, Maine}}</ref>
[[Maryland]],<ref name="MDcatch">{{cite news
|title     = Dundalk fish tale loses its bite: Experts conclude catch in local pond is pacu, not piranha
|first     = Candus
|last      = Thomson
|date      = 2006-09-30
|url       = http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/outdoors/bal-sp.fish30sep30,0,2220368.story
|archive-url = https://archive.today/20130118013238/http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/outdoors/bal-sp.fish30sep30,0,2220368.story
|url-status  = dead
|archive-date = 2013-01-18
|publisher = The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore, Maryland
}}</ref> [[Massachusetts]],<ref name="MAcatch">{{cite news|url=http://cbs4boston.com/topstories/local_story_208095730.html |title=Rare Fish With Teeth Caught in North Attleboro |publisher=CBS4Boston.com, [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]] |date=2006-07-27 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> [[Michigan]],<ref>{{cite web
|url         = http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/13929662/detail.html
|title       = Pacu Caught in Local Lake
|date        = 2007-08-20
|publisher   = ClickOnDetroit.com
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070826055236/http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/13929662/detail.html
|archive-date = 26 August 2007
}}</ref> [[Minnesota]],<ref name="Minnesota">{{cite news
|url         = http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/outdoors/14981106.htm
|title       = Lifelong St. Croix River angler reels in a big surprise
|date        = 2006-07-09
|publisher   = Pioneer Press, St. Croix, Minnesota
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20071114221704/http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/sports/outdoors/14981106.htm
|archive-date = 14 November 2007
}}</ref> [[Mississippi]],<ref name="Nico2013" /> [[Missouri]],<ref name="MOcath">{{cite news
|url=http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=101082
|title=Man Catches Pacu Fish in Mississippi
|date=2006-07-28
}}</ref>
[[Nebraska]],<ref name="Nebraska">{{cite news
|url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10434766
|title=Amazon River fish caught in western Nebraska lake
|date=2008-09-16
|publisher=Omaha World Herald, Nebraska
}}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[New Hampshire]],<ref name="NH">{{cite news
|url         = http://www.wmur.com/news/4829846/detail.html
|title       = Frightening Fish Doesn't Have Piranha's Bite
|date        = 2005-08-09
|publisher   = NBC10 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927022331/http://www.wmur.com/news/4829846/detail.html
|archive-date = 27 September 2007
}}</ref> [[New Jersey]],<ref name="NJ">{{cite news
|url=http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/weird/Fisherman-Pacu-NJ-224998422.html?_osource=SocialFlowFB_PHBrand
|title=Man Hooks Piranha's Cousin in NJ Lake
|date=2013-09-24
|publisher=WMUR, New Hampshire}}</ref> [[New York (state)|New York]],<ref name="Nico2013" /> [[North Carolina]],<ref name="NCcatch">{{cite news
|url=http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/1058445/
|title=Wildlife Experts Don't Bite on Tale of Piranha in Lake Gaston
|date=2006-09-27
|publisher=WRAL.com, [[Raleigh, North Carolina|Raleigh]]-[[Durham, North Carolina|Durham]] and [[Fayetteville, North Carolina]]
}}</ref> [[North Dakota]],<ref name="NDcatch">{{cite news
|url=http://www.minotdailynews.com/News/articles.asp?articleID=5214
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929184435/http://www.minotdailynews.com/News/articles.asp?articleID=5214
|url-status=dead
|archive-date=2007-09-29
|title=South American freshwater fish caught at Patterson Lake
|first=Kim
|last=Fundingsland
|publisher=The Minot Daily News, Minot, North Dakota
|date=2006-09-01
}}</ref> [[Ohio]],<ref name="OHcatch07">{{cite news
|url         = http://www.wlwt.com/news/13440115/detail.html
|title       = Boy Hooks Piranha-Like Fish From Ohio River
|date        = 2007-06-04
|publisher   = WLWT News, Cincinnati
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070606223329/http://www.wlwt.com/news/13440115/detail.html
|archive-date = 6 June 2007
}}</ref><ref name="OHcatch07.2">{{cite news
|url=http://www.local12.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=44fad663-f5e7-4dd8-9d17-057b238b5fbe
|title=Ten Year-Old Catches Toothy Fish
|date=2007-06-04
|publisher=KDSK.com, St. Louis, Missouri
}}{{dead link|date=June 2011}}</ref> [[Oklahoma]],<ref name="Oklahoma">{{cite news
|url=http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kosu/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=147269
|title= Experts Say Fish Resembling Piranha is a Pacu
|date=2001-07-24
|publisher=KOSU, Oklahoma Public Radio (Associated Press)}}</ref> [[Pennsylvania]],<ref name="PAcatch">{{cite news
|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06213/710091-140.stm
|title=Local fisherman reels in a piranha
|date=2006-08-01
|first=Deborah
|last=Weisberg
|publisher=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania}}</ref> [[South Carolina]],<ref name="SCcatch">{{cite news
|url         = http://pickenssentinel.com/bookmark/2241730/article-Piranha
|title       = Piranha caught in Lake Keowee
|date        = 2009-04-03
|first       = Ben
|last        = Robinson
|publisher   = The Pickens Sentinel, Pickens, South Carolina
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090902220710/http://pickenssentinel.com/bookmark/2241730/article-Piranha
|archive-date = 2 September 2009
}}</ref>
[[Texas]],<ref name="KLTV.com">{{cite news
|url=http://www.kltv.com/story/17168066/piranha-sub-species-caught-in-east-texas-lake
|title=Piranha sub-species caught in East Texas lake
|date=2012-03-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heralddemocrat.com/articles/2006/09/02/sports/outdoors/outdoors04.txt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813101058/http://www.heralddemocrat.com/articles/2006/09/02/sports/outdoors/outdoors04.txt |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-08-13 |title=Exotic fish caught in Lake Texoma |first=Joyce |last=Godwin |date=2006-09-03 |newspaper=Herald Democrat, Texoma, Texas }}</ref><ref name="Texas">{{cite news
|url         = http://www.local6.com/news/9542967/detail.html
|title       = Texas Man Catches Fish With Human-like Teeth
|date        = 2006-07-19
|publisher   = Local6.com, Lubbock, Texas
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060816033520/http://www.local6.com/news/9542967/detail.html
|archive-date = 16 August 2006
}}</ref> [[Utah]],<ref name="Utah">{{cite news
|url          = http://sltrib.com/utah/ci_4040918
|title        = Piranha-like fish caught in Utah Lake was a pacu
|date         = 2006-07-12
|publisher    = The Salt Lake Tribune (Associated Press), Salt Lake City, Utah
|access-date  = 12 July 2006
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20071010051427/http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_4040918
|archive-date = 10 October 2007
|url-status     = dead
}}</ref> [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]],<ref name="Washington">{{cite news
|url=http://heraldnet.com/heraldnet/pm_111228/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=PvIxfOQ6
|title=Exotic fish caught in lake near Marysville
|date=2013-08-05
|publisher=The Everett Herald
|first=Jim
|last=Davis
}}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[Wisconsin]],<ref name="Wisconsin">{{cite news
|url=http://lacrossetribune.com/news/wrong-type-fish-biting-man-catches-exotic-pacu-from-black/article_c54140fe-3ca1-56f2-a315-633d7373c9bd.html
|title=Wrong type fish biting: Man catches exotic Pacu from Black River
|date=2006-07-14
|access-date=2015-05-03
|first=Bob
|last=Lamb
|publisher=La Crosse Tribune, La Crosse, Wisconsin
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628201245/http://lacrossetribune.com/news/wrong-type-fish-biting-man-catches-exotic-pacu-from-black/article_c54140fe-3ca1-56f2-a315-633d7373c9bd.html
|archive-date=28 June 2015
|url-status=live
}}</ref> and [[Wyoming]].<ref name="WYcatch">{{cite news
|url=http://www.casperstartribune.net/articles/2006/09/24/news/casper/781b94ae34e15df6872571f20079239e.txt
|title=A Brazilian fish out of water
|date=2006-09-24
|first=Cory
|last=Matteson
|publisher=Casper Star Tribune, Casper, Wyoming}}</ref> Among the numerous recent records are a pacu caught in the California Delta, near [[Stockton, California|Stockton]] in 2015,<ref>{{Citation|title=Woman Nabs Rare Pacu While Fishing|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nbc-news-channel/57753096|access-date=2016-08-13}}</ref> two in [[Lake St. Clair]] in 2016 and a single in [[Lake Huron]] in 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ktla.com/2016/08/10/fish-with-human-like-teeth-found-in-michigan-lakes/|title=Fish With 'Human-Like Teeth' Found Swimming in Two Michigan Lakes|date=2016-08-11|publisher=KTLA|access-date=2016-08-13}}</ref>
Some state wildlife authorities have advised home aquarists who wish to get rid of overgrown pacu to cut the heads off the fish and dispose of them as [[Waste|garbage]].<ref name= "Wisconsin" /> Habitattitude, a U.S. national initiative led by the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force, recommends humanely disposing the fish through a veterinarian or pet retailer, returning them to retailers, or donating them to a local aquarium society, school, or aquatic business.<ref name="habitattitude">{{cite web
|title= Habitattitude
|url=http://www.habitattitude.net/
|publisher= An Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force initiative sponsored by the [[United States Fish and Wildlife Service]]
|format= Website
}}</ref> Additionally, aquarium-raised fish can be eaten (see ''[[#Food fish|Food fish]]'').<ref name = "cookemup">{{cite web
| last = Candelaria
| first = Heather
| title = To Serve Fish
| publisher = Greater Seattle Aquarium Society, [[Seattle]], [[Washington (U.S. state)|Washington]]
| date = January 1999
| url = http://www.gsas.org/Articles/1999/to-server-fish.html
| format= Website }}</ref>
[[File:Colossoma macropomum ostergaard.jpg|right|thumb|''[[Colossoma macropomum]]'', a pacu, for sale in the Manaus Fish Market, Brazil. This fish was approximately {{convert|85|cm|in|frac=2|abbr=on}} long.]]
===Europe===
In August 2013, a pacu was discovered in Scandinavian waters; a fisherman pulled a {{convert|21|cm|in|abbr=on|frac=2}} specimen from the [[Øresund]], a semi-[[brackish]] strait between [[Sweden]] and [[Denmark]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130812/odd-news/male-skinny-dippers-warned-of-ball-cutter-fish.481788|title=Male skinny dippers warned of 'ball-cutter' fish in Sweden|date=12 August 2013|website=Times of Malta|access-date=13 August 2016}}</ref>
An angler fishing on the river [[Seine]] in [[Paris]], France, caught a pacu in August 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/03/pacu-caught-paris-france-seine-testicle-biting-fish_n_3861084.html|title=Testicle-Biting Fish Caught Near Paris|date=2013-09-03|website=HuffPost|access-date=2016-08-13}}</ref>
In June 2016, a {{convert|20|cm|in|abbr=on|0}} pacu was caught in a city pond in [[Tula, Russia|Tula]], Russia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/science/animals/russian-fishermen-catch-bizarre-fish-with-human-teeth-in-city-pond/news-story/feb8a49b010b29e3b7ef0b38365325d5|title=Russian fishermen catch bizarre fish with 'human teeth' in city pond|publisher=News.com.au|date=30 June 2016|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>
In June 2017, a pacu was accidentally caught during a fishing contest at the [[Port of Drobeta Turnu Severin]], [[Romania]]. The fish bit one of the fishermen, leading to a general warning being issued in the region, until the origin of the fish can be determined.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://adevarul.ro/locale/turnu-severin/video-pacu-pestele-dinti-om-ataca-organele-genitale-pescarilor-pescuit-dunare-zona-portului-turnu-severin-1_594ceded5ab6550cb872eabc/index.html#gallery_currentImage|title=Pacu, peștele cu dinți care atacă pescarii în zona portului Dunării|website=adevarul.ro|date=22 June 2017}}</ref>
In August 2017, a pacu was caught in the stream Motala Ström in [[Norrköping]], Sweden.<ref>{{cite web | title=De fångade udda fisken – igen |url=http://nt.se/nyheter/norrkoping/de-fangade-udda-fisken-igen-om4785470.aspx |publisher=Norrköpings Tidning|date=24 August 2017}}</ref>
In July 2019, two pacus were caught near [[Baia Mare]], Romania.
In September 2020, a {{convert|50|cm|in|abbr=on|0}} pacu weighing approx. {{convert|3|kg|lb|abbr=on|0}} was caught in [[Zegrze Reservoir]] in Poland.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://warszawa.wyborcza.pl/warszawa/7,54420,26484124,3-kilogramowa-pirania-zlowiona-w-zalewie-zegrzynskim-ma-bardzo.html|publisher=Gazeta Wyborcza|title=Półmetrowa pirania pływała w Zalewie Zegrzyńskim|date=6 November 2020}}</ref>
In February 2024, a dead pacu was found in [[Garadice Lough]], Ireland.<ref name = "Ryan, 2024">Ryan, E. (2024, February 20). Angler’s shock after discovering South American fish in County Leitrim lake. Independent.ie. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://www.independent.ie/regionals/leitrim/news/anglers-shock-after-discovering-south-american-fish-in-county-leitrim-lake/a341554745.html</ref><ref name = "RTÉ, 2024">RTÉ News. (2024, February 23). Pacu fish, native to the Amazon, found in Lough Garadice. RTE.ie. Retrieved March 6, 2024, from https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2024/0223/1434059-pacu-fish/</ref>
===Asia===
Pacus have become established in tropical Asia, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Bangladesh,<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |title= Growth performance and compatibility of pacu, Piaractus brachypomus with Indian major carps in polyculture system|journal= Aquaculture|year= 2018|doi=10.1016/j.aquaculture.2018.02.052|last1= Kumar|first1= Aditya|last2= Pradhan|first2= P.K.|last3= Das|first3= P.C.|last4= Srivastava|first4= S.M.|last5= Lal|first5= K.K.|last6= Jena|first6= J.K.|volume= 490|pages= 236–239}}</ref> [[Thailand]],<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fao.org/fishery/introsp/3885/en|title=FAO Fisheries & Aquaculture – Introductions of Aquatic Species|website=fao.org}}</ref> and India.<ref>Reenamole, G.R.; and G. D’cruz (2015). New Record of exotic fish red bellied pacu, Piaractus brachypomus (Cuvier, 1818) from Vellayani Fresh Waterlake, Southwest coast of India. International Journal of Science and Research 4(12): 1106—1110.</ref>
===New Guinea===
Pacu were introduced in 1994 to the [[Sepik River]], and in 1997 to the [[Ramu river]] as a food source, due to overfishing of native species. Local people blame the fish for outcompeting native species, including juvenile crocodiles, as well as for several attacks on humans. As a primarily vegetarian fish, red-bellied pacu, have also consumed the floating mats of vegetation in the Sepik River, which operated as fish nurseries and crocodile and bird nesting sites. Thus the entire ecosystem has become impoverished and local people cannot subsist as easily as they once did.<ref name=ADNG>{{cite web |url=http://animal.discovery.com/fish/river-monsters/red-bellied-pacu.html |title=Red-Bellied Pacu : River Monsters : Animal Planet |website=animal.discovery.com |access-date=22 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402191107/http://animal.discovery.com/fish/river-monsters/red-bellied-pacu.html |archive-date=2 April 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Importance to humans==
In their native range, pacus are widely fished and [[Fish farming|farmed]]. Based on a study by [[IBAMA]], ''Colossoma macropomum'', ''Piaractus brachypomus'' and ''Mylossoma'' spp. are all in the top-15 of the most caught fish (by weight) in the [[Brazilian Amazon]].<ref name=Lima2003/>
=== Aquaria ===
[[File:Red Pacu.JPG|thumb|A young [[Piaractus brachypomus|red-bellied pacu]]]]
Pacu are commonly sold as "vegetarian piranhas" to home [[aquarium]] owners. With the proper equipment and commitment, pacu have been known to make responsive pets. One such example was Swish, a 75-cm (30-inch) pacu owned for over 20 years by a Chinese restaurant (Kau Kau) in the Chinatown district in Seattle, Washington; one aquarium technician said of Swish, "He'd rub his body on your arms, kind of like a dog."<ref name="swish" />
However, there is some question of whether the fish are a good choice for the typical [[aquarist]]. While they are not aggressive [[carnivore]]s like the piranha, their crushing jaw system, used primarily for eating seeds and nuts, can be hazardous. One [[toddler]] needed surgery after a pacu (misreported as a piranha) bit her finger at Edinburgh Butterfly and Insect World in [[Scotland]]. Commenting on the incident, [[Deep Sea World]] zoological manager Matthew Kane warned, "Pacus will eat anything, even children's wiggling fingers."<ref name="toddlerarticle" />
If a large population of pacu enters an ecosystem to which it is not native, the fish can have a very adverse effect. Pet stores sell pacu as small as {{convert|5|–|8|cm|in|frac=2|abbr=on}} long and neglect to warn customers that fish growth is not inhibited by tank size, contrary to popular fish lore.<ref name="opefepacu"/> "Most [[United Kingdom|UK]] dealers now refuse to stock this species due to the large size and expensive aquarium requirements it demands," according to ''Practical Fishkeeping'' magazine's Matt Clarke.<ref name="UKfishkeeping" /> Incapable of maintaining large aquaria, overwhelmed hobbyists are suspected of illegally releasing their pacu into wild waterways. As tropical fish, pacu will die in cold weather; as newcomers to an ecosystem, pacu may out-compete native species for available food, habitat, and other resources, or displace them by introducing exotic parasites or diseases. Most wildlife resource authorities prohibit releasing exotic fish, including pacu, into the wild. Officials of one Texas lake have put a $100 [[Bounty (reward)|bounty]] on the pacu caught there.<ref name="bounty" />
=== Game fish ===
In Appendix B of ''Through the Brazilian Wilderness''<ref name="Roosevelt">{{cite book
| title = Through the Brazilian Wilderness
| url = https://archive.org/details/cu31924086561119
| last = Roosevelt
| first = Theodore
| author-link = Theodore Roosevelt
| publisher = New York: Charles Scribner's Sons
| year = 1914
| isbn = 0-8154-1095-6
}}</ref> (see also online version<ref name="onlineRoosevelt">{{cite web
| last = Roosevelt
| first = Theodore
| author-link = Theodore Roosevelt
| title = Through the Brazilian Wilderness
| publisher = New York: Bartleby.com (2000)
| access-date = 2006-07-22
| url = http://www.bartleby.com/174/
}}</ref>), [[Theodore Roosevelt]] advised, "For small fish like the pacu and piranha an ordinary bass hook will do." Concerning the pacu, he added:
<blockquote>"A light rod and reel would be a convenience in catching the pacu. We used to fish for the latter variety in the quiet pools while allowing the canoe to drift, and always saved some of the fish as bait for the big fellows. We fished for the pacu as the native does, kneading a ball of mandioc farina with water and placing it on the hook as bait. I should not be surprised, though, if it were possible, with carefully chosen flies, to catch some of the fish that every once in a while we saw rise to the surface and drag some luckless insect under."</blockquote>
More recently, South American rivers including the Amazon have become a popular destination for recreational [[Fisherman|anglers]], who go to [[fly fishing|fly fish]] for pacu. The [[International Game Fish Association]] has sponsored fly-fishing courses for native Brazilian fishermen, typically accustomed to subsistence fishing, so they can work as guides to fishing [[tourist]]s.<ref name="adventures">{{cite web
| last = Valerio da Costa
| first =  Marco
| title = Fishing Adventures along the Xingu River – Pará, Brazil
| publisher = AnglersNet.co.uk
| date = 16 March 2006
| url = http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/Overseas-Articles/adventure_fishing_Brazil.html
| access-date =  2006-07-22}}</ref>
When bait-fishing in pacu-stocked ponds, anglers in [[Malaysia]] are advised to use circle hooks, size 2 or larger, and braided leather rather than nylon leaders which are easily broken by the pacu's teeth. Since pond pacu often nibble at the bait before taking it, anglers should let them swim away with the bait. If the angler simply allows the line to tighten, the circle hook will slide to the side of the fish's mouth and embed its point there.<ref name="hookem">{{cite news
|first       = Aznir
|last        = Malek
|date        = 2006-10-07
|title       = Hooking the fish
|url         = http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=/2006/10/7/lifeliving/15629833&sec=lifeliving
|publisher   = The Star, [[Malaysia]]
|author2     = Anthony Geoffrey
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090902220742/http://thestar.com.my/lifestyle/story.asp?file=%2F2006%2F10%2F7%2Flifeliving%2F15629833&sec=lifeliving
|archive-date = 2 September 2009
}}</ref>
[[File:PreparedPacu VillaTunari.jpg|right|270px|thumb|Grilled pacu over rice with sides of lettuce, tomato, onions, and [[Plantain (cooking)|plantain]]s, with a lemon-half garnish.<br /><span style="color:gray;">Photograph taken in Villa Tunari, Bolivia, by Marc Alan Davis.</span>]]
=== Food fish ===
Theodore Roosevelt wrote of catching and eating pacu in his book ''Through the Brazilian Wilderness''.<ref name="Roosevelt" /><ref name="onlineRoosevelt" /> He described them as "good-sized, deep-bodied fish," and noted, "They were delicious eating."<!-- http://www.bartleby.com/174/8.html ph 47 -->
Today, the Amazon river is experiencing a crisis of overfishing. Both subsistence fishers and their commercial rivals compete in netting large quantities of pacu, which bring good prices at markets in Brazil and abroad.<ref name="overfishing">{{cite news
| last = Rohter
| first = Larry
| title = Big Fish, Little Fish Battle Over the Amazon's Bounty
| work = The New York Times
| date = 26 October 2004
| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/26/international/americas/26fisherman.html?ex=1256529600&en=f6b558adabdc9722&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland
}}</ref>
[[Aquaculture]] may relieve the overfishing crisis, as well as improve food security by boosting fish supplies. Various species of pacu are increasingly being used for warm-water farm fishing around the world.<ref name="vietnam">{{cite news
|title       = Scientists dispel fears of piranha invasion in Cat Tien Reserve
|publisher   = Viêt Nam News: The National English Language Daily, [[Vietnam]]
|date        = 2003-06-30
|url         = http://www.ecologyasia.com/news-archives/2003/jun-03/vietnam-news_030630_1.htm
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060716043600/http://www.ecologyasia.com/news-archives/2003/jun-03/vietnam-news_030630_1.htm
|archive-date = 16 July 2006
}}</ref> Pacu are considered ideal for their tolerance of the low-oxygen water in farm ponds. They also don't require a lot of expensive protein in their diet, and can be raised year-round in warm or temperature-controlled environments.<ref name="farming">{{cite news
|last=Kulier
|first=Jennifer
|title=Farming with Fins
|work=Perspectives
|publisher=[[Southern Illinois University]], [[Carbondale, Illinois|Carbondale]]
|date=Fall 2000
|url=http://www.siu.edu/~perspect/00_fall/aquaculture.html
|access-date=2006-07-22
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061014012700/http://www.siu.edu/~perspect/00_fall/aquaculture.html
|archive-date=14 October 2006
}}</ref>
Research shows that the "flavor of [farmed] pacu is comparable to that of hybrid [[striped bass]], [[tilapia]], and [[rainbow trout]], but superior to catfish."<ref name="pullela">{{cite journal
| author = Sharma V. S. Pullela
| title = Aquaculture of Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and a Comparison of Its Quality: Microbiological, Sensory and Proximate Composition
| publisher = Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
| date = 3 February 1997
| url = https://theses.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-315812142975720/unrestricted/etd.pdf
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170213184212/https://theses.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-315812142975720/unrestricted/etd.pdf
| url-status = dead
| archive-date = 13 February 2017
| access-date = 2018-05-11}}</ref> In South America, pacu are prized for their sweet, mild flavor.
Aquarium-raised pacu can be cooked and eaten, but care should be taken to ensure that no toxic medications were used in the aquarium.<ref name="opefepacu"/> A recipe and preparation instructions are provided on the Greater Seattle Aquarium Society's Web site.<ref name = "cookemup" />
==Incorrect claim of testicle-biting==
In 2013, a pacu was caught in the Øresund, a strait between Sweden and Denmark.<ref name="CNN">{{cite web |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/08/10/world/europe/scandanavia-swim-warning |author=Gray, Melissa |publisher=CNN|date=16 August 2013 |title=Warning over testicle-biting fish in Denmark? It's all wet |access-date=8 September 2013}}</ref> This led to media reports mistakenly warning that the fish could attack [[testicles]]. The reports were based on a joke (referring to their actual feeding on tree [[Nut (fruit)|nuts]]) that was not meant to be taken seriously.<ref name="CNN"/> Nevertheless, their very strong jaws made for crushing plant seeds and the like means that fishermen and aquarists sometimes are warned about the powerful bite that may cause [[traumatic injuries]].<ref name=fbColossoma/><ref name=SFPb/><ref name=SFCm/>
== References ==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=
<ref name="Arkansas">{{cite news
| last = Lucariello
| first = Kathryn
|title =Toothy fish caught on White River is piranha cousin
|url=http://www.eurekaspringstimesecho.com/articles/2006/07/13/news/mw1.txt
|publisher= Carroll County News, [[Eureka Springs]], [[Arkansas]]
|date=2006-07-13
}}</ref>
<ref name="opefeserra">{{cite web
| last = Magallanes
| first = Frank
| title = Subfamily Serrasalminae
| url = http://www.opefe.com/serrasalminae.html
| publisher = Oregon Piranha Exotic Fish Exhibit
| date = 2006-04-06
| format = Website}}</ref>
<ref name="swish">{{cite news
|title       = Chinatown fixture Swish was "part of the family"
|url         = http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003304026_fish14m.html
|date        = 2006-10-14
|first       = Florangela
|last        = Davila
|newspaper   = The Seattle Times
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20061105034253/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003304026_fish14m.html
|archive-date = 5 November 2006
}}</ref>
<ref name="toddlerarticle">{{cite news
|first=Gareth
|last=Edwards
|title=Girl needs surgery for piranha bite to finger
|date= 2004-06-12
|newspaper=The Scotsman
|url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/girl-needs-surgery-for-piranha-bite-to-finger-1-1019458}}</ref>
<ref name="opefepacu">{{cite web
| last = Magallanes
| first = Frank
| title = Pacu, Tambaqui, Piratinga, Silver Dollars
| url = http://www.opefe.com/pacu.html
| publisher = Oregon Piranha Exotic Fish Exhibit
| date = 2006-04-06
| format = Website}}</ref>
<ref name="UKfishkeeping">{{cite news
|title       = Angler catches fruit-eating piranha
|publisher   = Practical Fishkeeping, [[Peterborough]] [[UK]]
|date        = 2005-08-10
|url         = http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=698
|first       = Matt
|last        = Clarke
|url-status     = dead
|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20090902232414/http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=698
|archive-date = 2 September 2009
}}</ref>
<ref name="bounty">{{cite news|title=Mystery Fish Caught At Buffalo Springs Lake Identified |publisher=KLBK news (CBS Affiliate), [[Lubbock, Texas]] |date=2006-07-19 |url=http://www.klbk13.tv/news/default.asp?mode=shownews&id=1691 }}{{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
<ref name="ALcatch">{{cite news
|last=Hindmond
|first=Jade
|title=Fish Thought To Be Record Bream Is A Pacu
|url=http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5589820
|date=2006-10-26
|publisher=WTVM News, Columbus, Georgia
|access-date=27 October 2006
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927023645/http://www.wtvm.com/Global/story.asp?S=5589820
|archive-date=27 September 2007
|url-status=dead
}}</ref>
}}
[[Category:Serrasalmidae]]
[[Category:Fish common names]]