Tambaqui
Colossoma macropomum
Also known asCachama · Gamitana · Pirapatinga (related)
Water parameters
Minimum tank: 3000 L per individual at harvest size.
Feed and growth
- Feed protein
- 30% target
- Daily feed (warm)
- 1.20% of body weight
- Daily feed (cool)
- 0.50% of body weight
- Max density
- 30 g per litre
A 5000 g adult eats about 60.0 g of feed per day at optimum. 10 fish at adult size: ~600 g daily.
Legality
Rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Verify with your local fisheries or wildlife authority before stocking.
| Jurisdiction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | prohibited | California prohibits Colossoma species verified 2026-05-13 |
| Florida | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
| Arizona | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
| New South Wales | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
| Queensland | prohibited | verified 2026-05-13 |
Unlisted jurisdictions default to "check local regulations".
Origin and habitat
Native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America, found in floodplain lakes, river channels, and seasonally flooded forests. The species (Colossoma macropomum) is the largest member of the family Serrasalmidae (which includes piranhas) and the most important food fish in the Amazon basin. Adults reach 1 m and 30–40 kg in the wild, though culture harvest size is typically 1–3 kg. Tambaqui are herbivorous to omnivorous, feeding on fruits, seeds, and plant material that fall into the water from overhanging trees during flood season. The specialized molar-like teeth crush hard seeds and nuts. The flesh is firm, mild, and moderately fatty, highly valued across Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. Brazilian aquaculture production of tambaqui exceeds 300,000 tonnes annually, making it the most produced native fish species in South American aquaculture.
Climate and outdoor ponds
- Climate
- tropical (needs warm water year-round)
- USDA zones
- 11–13 (winter low around 4°C or warmer)
- Heating needed
- yes
- Cooling needed
- no
Care notes
The premier warm-water food fish for aquaponics in tropical South America and the benchmark against which other tropical species are compared. Temperature: 24–30°C optimal; growth stops below 20°C, mortality below 14°C. Growth is fast: 1–2 kg in 8-12 months on commercial pellet (28-35% protein). FCR is 1.2-1.6, among the best in freshwater aquaculture for a species that reaches such large size. The herbivorous feeding habit is a significant advantage: tambaqui readily eat fruits, seeds, duckweed, vegetable scraps, and plant waste from the aquaponics system, reducing pellet costs by 20-40% when supplemented with produce trimmings. Stocking density: 15-30 g/L. Water quality tolerance is moderate: DO above 3 mg/L, pH 6.0-8.0. Tambaqui are schooling fish that do best in groups. Cannibalism is minimal because of the herbivorous diet. Fingerlings are widely available from Brazilian, Colombian, and Peruvian hatcheries. In the US, tambaqui culture is possible in Florida, Hawaii, and other warm states, though availability of fingerlings is limited. Tambaqui x pirapitinga hybrids (tambacu) are also widely cultured and offer slightly more cold tolerance.