Serrasalmus Maculatus

Datasheet

General Description

Serrasalmus Maculatus, also known as "Mac," is a popular choice for novice aquarists due to its manageable size, hardiness, attractiveness, and affordability. Belonging to the Serrasalmidae family, these fish have a compressed body shape, long dorsal fins, and sharp serrae on their ventral surfaces. They are often called "gold piranhas" or "golden mac" in the aquarium trade. With over 30 described species in the genus, S. maculatus is distinguishable by specific morphological characteristics from other closely related species like S. spilopleura.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care, Serrasalmus Maculatus requires a well-oxygenated aquarium with a sandy substrate, driftwood, and branches for cover. While aquatic plants can be included, they may be nipped at by the fish. Maintaining high water quality is essential, necessitating regular water changes of up to 50%. It is advisable to place the heater externally as these fish sometimes nibble on internal equipment.

Behaviour

S. Maculatus is best kept as a solitary specimen due to its carnivorous nature, which makes it unsuitable for most community tanks. While reports exist of them cohabiting with certain tankmates, the risks of injury often outweigh any potential benefits. Debate persists on whether these fish can be maintained in groups, with experienced aquarists recommended for such experimental setups. They can be unpredictable in closed environments, emphasizing the need for cautious handling.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, S. Maculatus are opportunistic feeders, consuming fins, flesh, insects, and small fishes. They have also been reported scavenging on dead animals, including humans, displaying increased aggression during breeding seasons. In captivity, acclimating them to dead foods may be necessary, with a transition period that could require some patience. Juveniles enjoy live or frozen foods like bloodworms, Tubifex, and Artemia, while adults require larger items such as mussels, prawns, and earthworms. It is vital to avoid feeding them mammalian or avian meats as these can adversely affect their health.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

S. Maculatus is a continuous spawner, relatively easy to breed in captivity but requiring significant tank space for conditioning, spawning, and raising fry. Breeding efforts have been successful in large, heavily planted setups with soft, acidic water. While no external sexual differences are evident, females in spawning condition appear rounder than males. Spawning behaviors involve detailed courtship rituals and egg fertilization processes, with males often guarding the eggs until hatching.

Habitat and Distribution

Originally described from the rio Guaporé in western Brazil, S. Maculatus is now widespread in the Amazon, Paraguay, and Paraná river systems across several South American countries, including Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. They inhabit rivers, pools, and creeks, often favoring shady areas with dense vegetation. These fish are known to form small groups and exhibit territorial behavior within their ranges.