Common Name:   Pacu, Pirapatinga,

Local Name:  Pacu (Tagalog);  Pacu (Cebuano)

Max Size:  88 cm (25 kgs)

Biodiversity:   Freshwater

Depth:  0 – 15 m

Fishing Season:  All Year Long

Minimum Size Limit:   none

Recommended Bait:  Masa, Insects,

IUCN Red List Status:  Not Evaluated (NE)

This is a freshwater species of fish that is native to South America.  It was introduced into the Philippines from Singapore in the 1980s via the aquarium trade.  It is now a common species that can be caught mainly in private ponds though the BFAR has proposed this fish be stocked in rivers and lakes where the water hyacinth plants are a problem.  It is currently bred throughout the country in ponds and is readily available in local pet shops.

This fish has the reputation of being a vegetarian, though it is more correctly a omnivore.  It can be taken on dough bait, worms, bread and a variety of other bait by fishermen.

These fish grow quite rapidly and can reach weights of over 3kgs.  They are also an excellent food fish.

Troy’s Red Pacu from Crismar

If you have any pictures of Pacu you have caught here in the Philippines please send them to me and I will include them in this post 🙂