Red-bellied pacu Care Guide

Care Process

The Red-bellied pacu is considered to have a moderate level of hardiness, making it a suitable pet for aquarists with some experience. They are moderately popular and require a moderate level of care. These fish are not particularly rare but are considered uncommon in the hobby. Ensuring that you maintain a stable environment for them is key to their well-being.

Tank Setup

The Red-bellied pacu thrives in water temperatures ranging from 24°C to 28°C, with a pH level between 6 and 7.5. Given their potential size of 30 to 60 cm, it is crucial to provide a spacious tank environment. Each Red-bellied pacu requires at least 75 liters of water, and they should be kept in groups of at least 5 to support their social nature.

They inhabit various levels of the tank, displaying behaviors as surface, mid-tank, and bottom dwellers. A well-planted tank with hiding spaces and open areas for swimming would suit their preferences. Maintaining the tank with a high maintenance level routine is essential to keep them healthy and stress-free.

Feeding

The Red-bellied pacu has a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. Their diet should consist of items such as flakes, pellets, and color-enhancing food to support their health and vibrant appearance. Additionally, they enjoy a variety of frozen and live foods, like bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, frozen shrimp, and daphnia.

Vegetable matter and algae wafers should also be included to mimic their natural diet in the wild. Though primarily peaceful, they may display some territorial behavior during feeding, so ensure food is evenly distributed to prevent aggression.

Behavior and Compatibility

The Red-bellied pacu is known for being mostly peaceful, although they can display semi-aggressive and moderately territorial behavior. They are social and occasionally shy, yet can also be playful, making them intriguing members of a community tank.

When considering tankmates, ensure they are compatible species that can handle slightly territorial and moderately social tank-life. During the breeding period, they may become slightly more aggressive, necessitating more attention to their interactions with other fish.

Conservation Status

The Red-bellied pacu is currently listed as "Least Concern" in terms of conservation status, indicating a stable population in the wild.