Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1816)
Cachama
Colossoma macropomum
photo by Lovshin, L.

Family:  Serrasalmidae (Piranhas and pacus), subfamily: Colossomatinae
Max. size:  108 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 40 kg
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 5 - 7.80000019073486; dH range: 20; depth range - 5 m, potamodromous
Distribution:  South America: Amazon and Orinoco basins as wild form; pisciculture form largely distributed in South America.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  This species is usually solitary. Adults stay in flooded forests during first 5 months of flooding and consume but fruits and grains. Young and juveniles live in black waters of flood plains until their sexual maturity. Feeds on zooplankton, insects, snails and decaying plants (Ref. 32894). Used in aquaculture because it can live in mineral poor waters and is very resistant to diseases. Marketed fresh and frozen (Ref. 9987).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic
Country info:   
 


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