Tambaqui

The Amazon’s Giant Fruiteater

Tambaqui

The Amazon’s Giant Fruiteater

The Tambaqui is one of the Amazon’s most iconic and ecologically important fish. A massive, deep-bodied relative of the piranha and pacu, the tambaqui plays a vital role in dispersing seeds and shaping forest ecosystems. Reaching sizes over 80 pounds, this fruit- and nut-eating giant lives in flooded forests and lakes across the Amazon and Orinoco basins.

Although peaceful in appearance, tambaqui are powerful fighters on rod and reel. Their thick bodies and brute strength allow them to make deep, determined runs, and their unpredictable feeding behavior challenges anglers to adapt with unique baits and techniques. During low-water months, tambaqui may congregate in deeper pools and lagoons, becoming more accessible to sport fishers.

Interesting Facts & Notes

  • Tambaqui are the largest characins in the world—distant cousins of piranhas and tetras.

  • Their jaws can easily crack hard fruits and nuts like rubber tree seeds and palm nuts.

  • Tambaqui have specialized gill structures that allow them to survive in low-oxygen water.

  • Due to overfishing near urban areas, wild tambaqui are now harder to find near cities.

  • Extensively raised in aquaculture, tambaqui are also popular as a sustainable food source.

Where to Catch

Wild tambaqui are targeted in remote, protected waters. You can occasionally find them with Acute Angling at:

Quick Facts

Attribute Description
Scientific Name Colossoma macropomum
Common Names Tambaqui, Black Pacu, Cachama Negra, Giant Pacu
Size Range Commonly 10–40 lbs; up to 80+ lbs in remote waters
Region Amazon and Orinoco River basins
Habitat Flooded forests, oxbow lakes, backwaters
Behavior Frugivore; seasonal migrations during flood cycles
Coloration Dark back, black fins, reddish to orange lower body
Aggression Moderate – cautious, but strong and hard-fighting
Feeding Habits Primarily fruits, nuts, and seeds; also crustaceans and insects
Gamefish Status Respected for size and strength

Physical Appearance

The tambaqui is a thick, oval-bodied fish with a blunt face, powerful jaws, and large eyes set close to the front of the head. Its dorsal and adipose fins are dark, while the body fades from gray-black on top to rich orange or reddish tones on the lower half. Large specimens can weigh over 80 pounds and have prominent, paddle-like tails. Juveniles may resemble pacu in shape and color but are typically darker and more robust.

How to Identify a Tambaqui

  • Broad, deep-bodied shape with a high back and thick girth.

  • Dark upper body with a reddish or orange underside and belly.

  • Rounded pectoral fins and broad caudal peduncle (tail base).

  • Blunt snout and small mouth with strong jaw structure.

  • Adipose fin is large and well-developed (unlike in smaller characins).

Tambaqui

How to Catch Tambaqui

These frugivorous giants require thoughtful presentations. Matching their natural diet is often key to success, especially in still or low-oxygen waters.

Recommended Techniques

  • Use natural baits like fruit pieces, seeds, or dough balls near forested backwaters.

  • Fish slow and patient in oxbow lakes, lagoons, or flooded shorelines.

  • During low water, look for deeper holding areas with overhanging vegetation.

Suggested Gear

  • Rod: Medium-heavy spinning or baitcasting

  • Line: 30–50 lb braid or mono

  • Hooks: Strong 2/0–4/0 circle or J hooks

  • Extras: Dough bait, fruit scent attractants, or mesh bait bags

Related Reading

Join The Adventure

Ready to hook into a true Amazon heavyweight? Travel with Acute Angling to fish remote waters where wild tambaqui still thrive—and experience the incredible biodiversity of South America’s greatest rivers.

Contact us today:

📞 (866) 832-2987

📧 [email protected]

References

  • Zeinad, A. K. & Prado, R. A. (2012). Peixes fluviais do Brasil: espécies esportivas

  • Goulding, M. (1980). The Fishes and the Forest

  • Nature: Arapaima gigas occurrence data

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