Rescued a Pacu

[f1shy]

How, just how could you do that to something. I would buy them off of you in a second but sadly I also can't house them properly, Good luck finding someone who can though! Also, nice job rescuing the fish, it was the right thing to do.

 

[ZeeZ]

Thank you, everyone! I'm just trying to do the right thing, which is often, especially with fish. Much less something like a Pacu.

I gotta tell you...Good thing we got people like you.

I love Pacu's. I had gotten one years ago from a local "smart" Pet" store and one of the things I learned was they get big..REAL big. I was a typical first time fish buyer at the time. Had a nice 20g tank.
Next thing I knew I was buying a 40g..... then a 55g. Needless to say it grew to about 16" and outlived most of my other fish.

Unfortunately, I lost him...a tragic story to long for this post.

Now years later (and after lots of research) I am back into my fish hobby with 4 awesome Pacu's. My wife doesn't call it a hobby... I think she uses the word obsession. I don't think 8 tanks is crazy!?

Anyways..good luck with him!

I wish you were closer. I let you have him because you obviously can take care of these fish.

I've been thinking about shipping them Express. That way the window for adoption will be better for these guys than it would be if I restricted it to local people only. I ship Red Cherry Shrimp all of the time, so I know the basics of shipping live animals. This Pacu is pretty strong, though, a good kick would surprise the heck out of any mailman handling the package.

 

[fishman61]

I recently read an ad on the St Louis Craigslist that a person is trying to find homes for her 2 pacues. People need to research any fish they intend to purchase. Some fish look cute when small but they grow into monsters. I have seen so many ads stating free Oscar and its 10 gallon tank and the fish is 10" long.

 

[ZeeZ]

That Oscar is most definitely stunted if it's been kept in a 10 gallon. Maybe one day when I have my own Monster Tank, I can take in rescue Pacus...

The Pacu LOVED the thawed frozen peas! He hid initially when I put in the food, along with the BP, both crowding that slate cave. I really ought to give him another "cave" since they're both crowding the only one.

Anyway, once I sat down and didn't move, he came out and looked at the peas then figured out it was food, he ate every last one up then started picking up gravel to see if it was food, so I gave him some more. Sure enough, he ate most but left a few. The BP just stayed in his cave the entire time. It's odd how colored up the BP is during the night and the morning when the light is out but becomes faded during the day. Maybe it's stress, maybe it's the bluish light...

I'm positive this is the most nutritious meal the Pacu's had in a long time. I called NC Asheboro Zoo and ran into a dead end. The people there weren't really friendly at all even after I'd told them the story. So I decided to try the smaller National Science Museum here in Greensboro. The people there were much more friendly and understanding. The Co-curator of reptiles and aquatics called me back since he'd been busy at the time, and said that I should try the owner of a fish store, Aquarium Center of NC. The owner may be able to help me locate a home for the Pacu and possibly the BP.

I'm not going to allow him to be resold in a pet store, but we'll see. I'll call tomorrow and update what happens.

 

[kissofcrimson]

Good for you. People need to think before they buy and pet stores need to be more educated. It amazes me the stupid things people will think are acceptable and I'm suprised those fish didn't die.

Good luck.

Sent from my LGL55C using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[ZeeZ]

Places I've called so far -

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center - NO

Riverbanks Zoo - NO

Virginia Zoo - NO

NC Zoo - NO

Greensboro National Science Museum - NO

Aquarium Center of NC - NO

NC Aquarium - NO

Charlotte Natural Museum - NO

NC State Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh - NO

 

[krichardson]

Good job in saving these two fsh..Place an ad/post in the buy and sell section,stating that the fish are free to a good home.

 

[rescued74]

The Pacu LOVED the thawed frozen peas! He hid initially when I put in the food, along with the BP, both crowding that slate cave. I really ought to give him another "cave" since they're both crowding the only one.

My Pacus love peas too.. I got an albino tiger oscar is there too, but not into peas so much LOL
One bad thing about the peas though...they have this shell membrane on them. I learned that after a week or so feeding them. Yes.. clear pea shells all over the bottom of my tank and clogging the filter intake. i was vacuuming the tank every few days to clean the mess.
They also love pumpkin seeds and walnuts! (just make sure they are natural unsalted) Good luck with them!
(gonna post a few photos)

 

[Allan01230]

I applaud you for your good work. Hate to see how the owners of those fish take care of children other pets or their selves for that matter.

 

[Red Devil]

thats awesome.. what a save from hell.. such sweet fish..best of luck to you