Tambaqui
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[Photo] Photographer: Thorke Østergaard. Species: Colossoma macropomum (pac??, pacu, tambaqui). Speciman size: approx. 85 cm TL. Location: Manaus Fish Market, Brazil. Photo dated: 01.09.2000. URL: http://www.fishbase.org/Photos/PicturesSummaryV2.cfm?ID=263&pic=Comac_u3.jpg

Its scientidic name is Colossoma macropomum, is of the family of Characidae and has the other names, such as Pacu, Black pacu, Black-finned pacu, Giant pacu, Tambaqui and Gamitana.

It may reach more than 1 m in total length and 45 kg in total weight.

Its origin is in Brazil and South America (Amazon River). The tambaqui is the largest characin of South America. The favorite habitat of the tambaqui is the white-water rivers of the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.

Similar in shape to the piranha and part of the source of the confusion the pacu is a tall, laterally compressed fish with large eyes and a slightly arched back. Body color is basic black to gray with spots and blemishes in its mid body. All the fins are black and the pectoral fins are small. Around 10 percent of a tambaqui's weight is fat.

Colossoma macropomum is an omnivore species, but eats more vegetable foods. This fish is really only suitable for public aquaria, many of which are already well stocked with pacu which have outgrown their homes, and may be reluctant to accept more.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tambaqui

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