the biggest pacu i've ever seen

[Crustman]

Nice photos. I wonder why the fish stores keep trying to sell these baby Pacu. I could get 4 inch ones for five dollars but know better.

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

Those all rock!

 

[MCHRKiller]

Nice photos. I wonder why the fish stores keep trying to sell these baby Pacu. I could get 4 inch ones for five dollars but know better.

Theyre kinda cute when small, and they always fetch a moderate price and people will buy them for such reasons. The reason that I have my 12"er is because walmart sold it to a friend of mine for a 10G tank still in the shopping cart and stated the fish would be fine in that tank permantly....it was about 3/4" when she bought it. Thats sadly the fate of most Pacu, even in the home aquarium a pacu will be like a swimming 10G tank atleast.

 

[filiportela]

very big fellow

 

[ShadowBass]

I think it is great that public aquariums have these things on display. It lets people know what they are getting themselvs into. A lot of people know how big a fish can get, but can't visualize it without seeing it in person. Also, they need to be full size because anything less only supports the idea that "they don't get that big". I think that every public aquarium should have a grown RTC, pacu, silver aro, shovelnose, and irridescent cat. Education is the best prevention.

I agree.

as much as i love the aqurium i was kinda dissapointed as to haw many ick fish there were there i seen a bluegill with a ( ball of white stuff ) on its head it looked like it was dieing but i seen a fish that had popeye really bad its eye was sticking out atleast one inch and there striped bass i dont even wanna go there my stripers are 500% better shape theres are in

I would have said something. I've never gotten any hostility at zoos or public aquariums for pointing out sick or injured fish. At the worst they'll ignore you and at least it will let them know that some people are noticing the poor condition of the fish.
In some cases they may be able to give you an explanation of why the fish are in that condition. Filtration can fail or other factors can be at play that cause fish to get sick just like in your own aquarium, and a large public aquarium needs a lot more people and maintanance to keep running properly.