Fin's Fish Guide
The Pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus) is a freshwater fish of the family Serrasalmidae that grows up to 88 cm.
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Myanmar, Canada, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Colombia and others
Description
The pirapitinga is a large characin (Serrasalmidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 88 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silver-grey body with a red-orange belly and powerful, molar-like teeth. Related to the piranhas but mainly a plant-eater, it crushes fallen fruit, nuts and seeds in the flooded forest. It is an important farmed fish. The molar-like mouth can give a painful bite; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pirapitinga?
The Pirapitinga has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey. Bears sharp spines, plates or strong jaws that can cause cuts or puncture wounds; handle with care.
Where does the Pirapitinga live?
The Pirapitinga lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Myanmar, Canada, Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Colombia and others
How big does the Pirapitinga get?
The Pirapitinga grows to a maximum of about 88 cm.
Is the Pirapitinga dangerous to humans?
The Pirapitinga can cause injury; handle it with care. Keep fingers away from the mouth; the pacu has powerful, molar-like teeth and can give a painful, crushing bite. For a bite: rinse the wound with clean water, apply pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing; have a deep wound assessed medically and check tetanus status.
Is the Pirapitinga edible?
Yes, the Pirapitinga is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Serrasalmidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pirapitinga is one of 12,519 species in the app.