red and black pacu together?

[kdrun76]

Ohhh what have I done?!?!

I just helped someone out of a horrid situation. The guy's brother had died (leaving 3 children) and he inherited his brother's grossly overstocked fish tank. It included a pacu which I agreed to take.

I just got it home and I really think the darn critter is a black pacu. I have 2 reds. The new one is in a 70 gallon QT right now, its about 14-15" long.

Can a black live happily with 2 red bellies? The tank is a 450 gallon.


I JUST bought the 450, a black will out grow that, I was hoping the red bellies could live in that for the duration of their lives. What have I done?!?!

 

[kdrun76]

bump

 

[PayaraMan]

The red bellies should be able to live in the 450 for life, Now the Black Pacu on the other hand is a completely different story, These guys seem to NEVER stop growing so that's where your issue is, A black pacu is like a red tail catfish and they both get HUGE!!! I suggest you build a 1500g pond in your backyard if you want to keep it. Now alot of times people get black and red bellied Pacus mixed up since Red Bellies turn black as they are older. I am not a pacu ID person so you will need someone else to help you with that, And the red and black pacus should be able to Cohab. Also how thick is your glass on the 450 and 70? Because if it is not thick enough they can literally burst your tank, Hence their name "Tank Busters"

 

[kdrun76]

The 450 is 3/4" glass. I think it will be ok.

The 70 already leaks, if it breaks I don't care. Its currently out doors. If he breaks that tank I will just put him in the big tank. I honestly think he is too small to break it, but stranger things have happened.


I can't put pacu in an outdoor pond year round in New England. I suppose a swimming pool in my basement is in my future.