Difference Between Pacu and Piranha

The main difference between pacu and piranha is that the pacu is mainly herbivorous whereas the piranha is an omnivore. Furthermore, the teeth of pacu are short, blunt, and human-like while the teeth of piranha are small, triangular and razor-sharp.

Pacu and piranha are two types of freshwater fish that live mainly live in the Amazon River and other rivers in South America. The pacu mainly relies on aquatic vegetation but, occasionally feeds on snails and insects while piranha feeds upon small animals, snail, and plants. Most people often confuse pacu and piranha because of the similar anatomical and behavioral characteristics they bear.

Key Areas Covered

1. Pacu
     – Definition, Characteristics, Behavior
2. Piranha
     – Definition,Characteristics, Behavior
3. What are the Similarities Between Pacu and Piranha
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Pacu and Piranha
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Human-like Toothed Fish, Pacu, Piranha

Pacu – Definition, Characteristics, Behavior

Pacu is a freshwater fish related to piranha. But, it is herbivorous and extremely peaceful when compared to piranha. The teeth of pacu is short and blunt. Hence, they resemble human teeth. This means they are designed to crush seeds and nuts. Therefore, the bite of pacu does not inflict damage. Also, pacu is large in size when compared to piranha.

Figure 1: Pacu Teeth

Generally, pacu lives as individuals and they are territorial.

Piranha – Definition, Characteristics, Behavior

Piranha is a freshwater fish that lives in the rivers of North America. It is an omnivore, which feed on both animal and plant matter. Piranha has a reputation for feeding frenzies. The teeth of piranha are small and triangular. They are strong enough to ear the flesh. The aggressive behavior of piranha is mainly observed under starvation conditions.

Figure 2: Piranha Teeth

One of the distinct behavioral characteristics of piranha is the extreme caring of their eggs. Due to this around 90% of their eggs survive for hatching.

Similarities Between Pacu and Piranha

• Pacu and piranha are two types of freshwater fish.
• They mainly live in the Amazon River and other rivers in South America.
• Both can be omnivores.
• They exhibit feeding frenzies only under starvation conditions.

Difference Between Pacu and Piranha

Definition

Pacu refers to a deep-bodied, herbivorous, freshwater fish native to northern South America, which has been introduced into the Old World whereas piranha refers to a deep-bodied South American freshwater fish that typically lives in shoals and has very sharp teeth used to tear flesh from prey.

Size

Pacu grows up to 28 inches and can weigh up to 50 pounds while piranha grows up to 17 inches and can weigh up to 7½ pounds.

Teeth

Furthermore, the teeth of pacu are short, blunt, and human-like while the teeth of piranha are small, triangular and razor-sharp.

Mode of Nutrition

Pacu is mainly herbivorous while piranha is omnivorous.

Feed upon

Also, Pacu feeds on aquatic vegetation and fruits and seeds, fall into water while piranha feed upon small animals, snail, plants, and fruits.

Gathering

Pacu often lives as a single animal, who is territorial while piranha tends to gather in groups.

Caring of Eggs

Pacu allows the eggs to hatch on their own while piranha stick close to their eggs.

Conclusion

The Pacu is a herbivorous freshwater fish related to piranha, who is an omnivore. Also, Pacu is bigger than piranha and exhibit aggressive behavior. The main difference between pacu and piranha is the mode of nutrition and behavior.

Reference:

1. “Pacu Fish Breed Information and Pictures.” PetGuide, 26 Mar. 2018, Available Here
2. Bradford, Alina. “Facts About Piranhas.” LiveScience, Purch, 21 Feb. 2017, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “ปลาเปคู (Pacu)” By Nisamanee wanmoon – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia 
2. “Piranha teeth” By Lord Mountbatten – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia