PIRAPATINGA

The Pirapatinga (piaractus brachypomus), also called pacu, morocoto, and cachama is from the Characidae family and very closely resembles the tambaqui in appearance and characteristics.  The coloration of the pirapatinga, however, is not as varied as the tambaqui and the blotching of the tambaqui is not typically present in this species. They grow to large proportions and are a very challenging adversary. They are most readily available in the rainy season, a time when most anglers will not be taking a peacock bass excursion to Brazil. Similar methods are used to catch the pirapatinga as used to catch the tambaqui.