Sheep-pacu
📖 Overview
Sheep-pacu (Acnodon normani), first described by Gosline, 1951 is a medium-sized fish in the family Serrasalmidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 19.90 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds primarily on plankton, plant material, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Serrasalmidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Sheep-pacu is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Sheep-pacu is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.8 - 7.2; dH range: ? - 18. Tropical; 22°C - 28°C South America: Amazon, Xingu and Tocantins River basins in Brazil.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Sheep-pacu is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Sheep-pacu is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Sheep-pacu has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Sheep pacu · Tiger pacu |
| 🌍CES | aknodon Normanův |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Branquinha-de-dente · Pacu · Pacu-branco |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Рыба-овца Нормана |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 1 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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