bolivianbaby

I need to stay off of Craigslist. There's an add to re-home two pacus. What would be the tank size required to keep them happy and healthy throughout their entire life spans?

I may be out of my mind, but I have to at least do the research before I leave these two to an uncertain fate

aquarist48

BB. My opinion is they should not be sold as aquarium fish period. There is no tank large enough in my opinion. They need to be left in the wild. http://www.fishlore.com/profiles_red_pacu.htm
My brother's Pacu grew to 26" long and could not turn around in his 125g tank.

Ken

mathas

I posted this in another thread, but the information is equally appropriate here:


Black pacu can get up to around 36": http://fishbase.org/Summary/speciesS...s&lang=English
Red-bellied pacu can get up to around 42": http://fishbase.org/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=263

From monsterfishrescue.com:
To give a group(or even pair) of 3-4' fish room to turn around and swim, you're looking at something probably in the 1200-1500+ gallon range at a minimum, and even then it might not be enough to keep them happy for their entire lives.

bolivianbaby

Ken,

Thanks for the response. Since I can't make their lives better, I think I'll just leave this Craigslist ad alone.

I'm starting to search Craigslist, not for tanks, but for fish that need new homes. Maybe I can do some good in the world that way

Mathas-oh dear, well there's DEFINITELY no way I can provide them with that.

I'll just send some fishy prayers their way that they get a good home somehow.

Thank you gentlemen

aquarist48

I'm glad to hear it BB...I think what you're doing is great but the Pacu's mmm no They are a beautiful species though.
Ken

bolivianbaby

The good thing about all this is I see Oscars, Pacus, etc that need good homes. I don't think I'll ever have the necessary space for Pacus, but maybe in a year or two, I can get a fish room built for tanks large enough for me to rescue some of these Oscars, bala sharks, and others.

There's another ad that I did respond to. This gentlemen is selling two 35 gallon tanks with fish. I'm waiting for him to tell me what type of fish are in the tanks. Maybe I can do some good there

Shawnie

amazing lady you are!!! but dont overwhelm yourself (15 tanks already LOL) where you wont enjoy the hobby

navyscuba

Hey BB remember the picture I showed to you from my daughter siting on the edge of a rock wall and behind it was a glass wall holding some huge fish. Well they were Pacu's. The fish were as big as my girl so do the math.

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bolivianbaby

You're right. Plus I need to be aware and ready for any possible tank-swaps of the fish I already have. You and I both know I won't re-home a fish. I'll buy another tank before I'd consider that.

Mercy, I'd forgotten about that! Another great reminder!

Thanks, everyone! I really need to make sure I don't put my heart above my head

sirdarksol

Check to see if a local zoo or aquarium has an Amazon exhibit, and if they'd be willing to accept a donation of fish. The Como Zoo has a huge aquarium (tens of thousands of gallons, at least) that has pacu and arowana, as well as some turtles and other Amazon fauna.

bolivianbaby

That's a FABULOUS idea!

UPDATE: E-mail sent to Georgia Aquarium. Cross your fins, everyone

Tony G.

oh bb bless your heart! trying to find homes for them!

you are such a good person!

i have my fingers crossed!

bolivianbaby

Thanks for the compliment, but I'm kinda selfish on this one....I like the way helping animals makes me feel. It gives me the warm fuzzies

Btw-I spoke with the other person on Craigslist. She's an actual fishkeeper who is moving in January. I told her I was more interested in rescue than acquiring new fish. She's going to call me or e-mail me if she can't find them a good home before she moves. It's 5 goldfish, 3 in one 35 gallon tank (I've never heard of 35g's before, but I'm still somewhat new) and 2 are in the other 35g. She's raised them from fry.