Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

The Tambaqui or Colossoma macropomum is a species of freshwater fish that goes by many different names, including the Gamitana, Black Pacu, Black-finned Pacu, Giant Pacu, Cachama or simply Pacu. These fish are found in South America, and are often confused with Piranha. They have a similar body shape, but can easily be differentiated by their teeth. Tambaqui have teeth that look almost human, and are more squared off then the razor sharp teeth of the Piranha.

Tambaqui are quite large as well, growing to over 1 meter in length and weighing in at over 32kg. This fish has large eyes, and is normally black in coloration with dark spots near the middle of its body.

This species from the Characidae family often begins its life in flooded forests of South America. They will feed on fruits, grains, insects, snails, zooplankton and plants. If you manage to catch a Tambaqui you will notice that they have a lot of fat, but are none the less quite tasty. 

You can check out the Tambaqui along with an Arowana and a Redtail Catfish in the video below... 

If you have any additional information about the Tambaqui leave us a comment.