“PACU” is a common name used to refer to several species of omnivorous South American freshwater fish that are related to the piranha. “PACU” and piranha have similar teeth, although the difference is jaw alignments; piranha have pointed, razor-sharp teeth in a pronounced underbite, whereas “PACU” have squarer, straighter teeth in a less severe underbite, or a slight overbite. Additionally, full-grown “PACU” are much larger than piranha, reaching up to 30 kg in weight, in the wild. “PACU” is a term of Brazilian Indian origin, and along with their piranha cousins are a characin fish, meaning a kind of tetra, belonging to the ‘CHARACIFORMES’ order. “PACU”, along with piranha, are currently further classified into the ‘SERRASALMINAE’ subfamily. ‘Serrasalminae’ means "serrated salmon family" and is a name which refers to the serrated keel running along the belly of these fish. However, dental characteristics and feeding habits further separate the two groups from each other. “PACU” are commonly sold as 'Vegetarian Piranhas' to home aquarium owners. More recently, Brazilian rivers become a popular destination for recreational anglers, who go to fly fish for “PACU”. They were delicious eating. Today, Brazil is experiencing a crisis of overfishing. Aquaculture may relieve the overfishing crisis, as well as improve food security by boosting fish supplies. Various species of “PACU” are increasingly being used for warm-water farm fishing. “PACU” are considered ideal for their tolerance of the low-oxygen water in farm ponds. The flavor of farmed “PACU” is comparable to that of hybrid striped bass, tilapia, and rainbow trout, but superior to catfish. In Mato Grosso do Sul, “PACU” are prized for their sweet, mild flavor. Visit the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul…