Pirapitinga

Pirapitinga key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

Maximum reported age 28 years (FishBase)

Size

Up to 88 cm TL and 25 kg (FishBase)

Temperature

23〜28℃

Diet

Omnivore leaning to plants (fruit, vegetables, prepared foods)

Water Temperature & Quality

23-28°C, pH 4.8-6.8, up to 15 dH (FishBase). Huge waste output requires very powerful filtration such as a sump and frequent large water changes.

Aquarium

Seriously Fish suggests a 300 x 90 cm footprint; captive fish rarely reach maximum size but easily grow to about 60 cm. Keep décor minimal and secure heavy pieces; plants will be eaten. Protect heaters and other equipment.

Tank Mates & Compatibility

Eats small fish but is generally peaceful with large ones. It becomes more solitary with age and, in cramped tanks, chases and nips other fish.

Diet & Feeding

Mainly eats fruit, nuts and seeds in the wild. Feed pellets or sticks plus fruit and vegetables such as apple, banana, grapes, courgette, peas, cabbage and carrot.

Breeding & Egg-laying

Not bred in the hobby; food farms induce spawning with hormones.

Cautions

Its strong teeth can cause serious bites, so take care when working in the tank. Never release it, however large it grows.

About Pirapitinga

Red colossoma (Pirapitinga): a large South American characin that looks like a piranha when young but eats mainly fruit and seeds. Records of 88 cm and 28 years; for experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Pirapitinga

1. 1Built for lifelong care

   Records show a maximum length of 88 cm and a weight of 25 kg, and individuals have reached 28 years of age. Even if you bring one home as a small juvenile, plan on the assumption that it may grow this large and live this long.

2. 2Housing for full size

   An adult outgrows a typical home aquarium, so you need a very large tank or pond with generous width and depth, planned for its full-grown size. Treat a juvenile tank as temporary and secure its permanent housing first.

3. 3Piranha looks, fruit diet

   Juveniles have red bellies and look much like piranhas, yet they feed mainly on fruit and seeds. Don't assume a strict carnivore from the looks alone; choose foods that suit its diet. Aquatic plants may be eaten as well.

4. 4Include plant-based foods

   Because it eats mainly fruit and seeds, include plant-based foods and keep the diet balanced. A big body eats a lot and fouls the water easily, so remove leftovers promptly and give yourself plenty of filtration capacity.

5. 5Choose tank mates carefully

   As it grows, fish small enough to fit in its mouth may be treated as food. Avoid keeping it with small fish; if you do add tank mates, limit them to similarly sized large fish, provide ample space, and judge by watching how they behave.

6. 6Watch for jumping and bumping

   A red colossoma can dart off when startled, hitting the glass or leaping out of the water. Fix a lid or cover firmly in place and set the tank in a quiet spot with little foot traffic.

7. 7Daily health checks

   Watching appetite, swimming and the body surface every day makes it easier to notice trouble early. If something seems off, check the water quality first and consult an expert in fish health if needed.

Frequently asked questions about Pirapitinga

Q.Is the red colossoma a carnivore like a piranha?

A.Juveniles look a lot like piranhas, but the red colossoma is a characin that feeds mainly on fruit and seeds. Once large, it may still eat small fish, so be careful about tank mates.

Q.How large does it get?

A.Records show a maximum length of 88 cm and a weight of 25 kg. It grows far larger than a juvenile suggests, so consider whether you can provide housing for its full-grown size.

Q.How long does it live?

A.The record is 28 years (FishBase). Lifelong care at home is difficult, so think carefully about whether you can keep caring for it far into the future.

Q.Can a beginner keep one?

A.It is rated for experienced keepers. It demands large-fish equipment and a long-term plan, so it is a hard choice for a first fish; consider it once you have experience and can provide adequate housing.

Q.What should I feed it?

A.Since it eats mainly fruit and seeds, build its diet around plant-based foods and keep it balanced. Leftovers can foul the water, so adjust the amount as you watch how much it eats.

Useful tools for Pirapitinga care

Learn more about Pirapitinga in the encyclopedia

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