Pacu are freshwater fish native to South America, closely related to piranhas but distinguished by their squarer, human-like teeth and primarily herbivorous diet. They inhabit the river systems of the Amazon and Orinoco basins, making Brazil, Peru, and Colombia the top countries for pacu fishing, both in commercial and recreational sectors. In these nations, pacu are harvested from the wild and increasingly farmed in aquaculture operations due to their fast growth and popularity as a food fish. Brazil leads the industry, with extensive river networks and a robust aquaculture sector, while Argentina and Paraguay also contribute significantly, especially in the Paraná River basin. Pacu fishing supports local economies and provides a staple protein source, though overfishing and habitat loss have prompted efforts toward sustainable management and farming practices.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paraguay | 20 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.