Pirapatinga (Piaractus brachypomus)

Scientific name: Piaractus brachypomus Cuvier, 1818

Pirapatinga (Piaractus brachypomus)

The Pirapatinga (Piaractus brachypomus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae that grows to about 88 cm (35 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful, is best kept in a species tank and needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F) and a pH of 4.8–6.8. Native range: South America, Amazon and Orinoco River basins.

Pirapatinga care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Community tank
Not suitable
Adult size
88 cm (35 in)
Temperature
22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH
4.8–6.8
Hardness
4–15 dGH (71–268 ppm)
Diet
Herbivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Juveniles mimic Serrasalmus nattereri. Feeds on insects and decaying plants. Possesses powerful dentition that can cause serious bites. An important foodfish.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Piaractus brachypomus
Family
Characidae (Characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
88.0
Environment
Freshwater;; pH range: 4.8 - 6.8; dH range: ? - 15 pelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins. Reported from Argentina.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Traumatogenic
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=7; tmax=28)

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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