What is pacu?

Pacu are South American freshwater fish belonging to the Serrasalmidae family, which also includes piranhas. However, unlike their carnivorous cousins, pacu are generally omnivorous, with a diet that includes fruits, nuts, seeds, and invertebrates.

They are known for their distinctive human-like%20teeth, which they use to crush and grind food. These teeth have led to some notoriety and exaggerated stories, sometimes causing unwarranted fear.

Pacu can grow to a significant size, reaching lengths of up to 3 feet (1 meter) and weighing over 55 pounds (25 kg). This size and their relatively peaceful nature (compared to piranhas) have made them popular in aquaculture in some regions.

However, their introduction to non-native environments can be problematic. Released pacu can become invasive species, potentially disrupting local ecosystems due to their broad diet and ability to compete with native fish.