Observation: Interaction with
other fish
There is definitely a pecking order with fish. When we first
started and the Pacu were small they didn't care what anyone
else did. They just swam around. At this stage of the game, they
definitely use their size to get their way. They are playful and
will run other fish around. However, they never actually bite a
tank mate, especially if it is another Pacu. They love to place
chase.
Instructed: Pacu cousins
to Piranha
A man in a pet store informed me that
Pacu are related to piranha but are not considered piranha. They
are a vegetarian version and are cousins in a sense. They have
teeth that could resemble a piranha and will eat other fish.
However, they are much more docile and their facial features are
a bit different. The jaw and the mouth size are different than
most piranha.
Found on the net: Origin
Pacu are a species that originate in
the Amazon and Orinoco basins. They can be found in Central and
South America and other areas. They are now more wide spread in
tropic areas because of dispersion by humans.
Experienced: Watch out
for the water heater
Recently, a man at work found interest in
this site and began to tell me stories about his son's Pacu. He
said that one day the family left for a couple of hours and when
they came back all five fish in their 200 gallon tank were
floating dead at the top. Alarmed, they began to investigate.
They noticed the water heater glass had broken and they believe
the current electrocuted the fish. Well, a week later I was in
my living room where the fish are and heard a loud bang and
splash come from the tank. I noticed that the fish were swimming
rapidly around in the tank and wondered why they wouldn't stop.
As I got close to the tank, I could see a weird shaped piece of
glass at the bottom of the tank. Then it dawned on me, so I
unplugged the heater and they all stopped moving around so
quickly. I looked at the thermometer and noticed that the tank
was warm enough that the heater wasn't on when it was broken but
that a minimal amount of current was still traveling in the
water. I wonder if my fish would have had the same fate of my
friend's fish had I not been around. As a precaution, when I go
to get my next heater I will look for a way to shield it.
Found on the net: Known
to have firm tasty meat
In certain markets, particularly in
the Amazon region, they are in high
demand because of their qualities as an entrée. Some fish
companies will focus heavily on fishing Pacu.
Found on the net:
Taxidermy difficult
Because not a high enough demand of
people tend to taxidermy their pacu they are unique to
taxidermists. They must be carved before the skin can be
stretched over them. (see link #6 below)
Instructed: Salt is like gatorade
to a fresh water fish
A Petsmart worker explained that the correct amount of salt
is provides necessary electrolytes to a fish. They are able to
breathe better because of the effect of the salt on the gills.
Too much salt can make a fish ill and kill it. For Pacu about 1
tablespoon per 5 gallons does fine. Be sure to account for
evaporation. As the water evaporates the salt content
rises.
Instructed: They can become very
friendly
They say the fish will eat right out of the
owner's hand. My fish will rub against my hand while I clean the
tank (unless they are spooked). It is not healthy to handle the
fish a great deal because human oils can be dangerous.
Observation:
Pacu are
somewhat
trainable fish
I have found that the Pacu are trainable. In doing some
research, I found that fish generally have a memory span of 10
seconds to one minute. They work on pure instinct and
familiarity to their surroundings. When we moved our fish from
the small tank to the big tank they would not use the whole tank
even though the conditions were idea. They would only swim the
length of the old tank and turn around. They were used to
bumping up against the glass after a short distance. However,
our pacu learned
over time. They also wouldn't eat siclid sticks for the longest
time because they were so used to their flakes. Soon, however,
they would eat as many as I would feed them. It was the same way
with the lettuce and other small amount of greens I would add to
the water. They soon learned to love it. One thing to keep in
mind...I talked to an experienced pet store owner and he
mentioned that Pacu do well with a vegetarian diet and to not
feed them feeder fish. They will gain an appetite for them and
not eat other essential portions of their diets.
|
