Red-bellied Pacu (Piaractus brachypomus) is a freshwater fish native to South America, known for its silvery-gray body and reddish or orange belly, especially when young. While closely related to piranhas, pacus are primarily herbivorous, with a diet consisting of fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetation. They are also known for their strong jaws, capable of cracking nuts, and their role as seed dispersers in their natural habitats. Key characteristics of the Red-bellied Pacu: Appearance: Resemble piranhas, especially when young, with a silvery-gray body and a red or orange belly. Diet: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetation. Habitat: Found in slow-moving freshwater rivers, floodplains, and lakes in the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Behavior: Active swimmers, often observed feeding on fruits