A large vegetarian fish named Pacu, at Ed’s World of Critters in Salmon Arm, is quite the local celebrity.
Living in his 2,000 gallon tank, Pacu is thriving at 65lbs and 31 years of age. Jenny Ritchie, manager of the pet store said she enjoys watching families connect through this giant animal.
“I’ve got customers that come in to visit him when they were children and they’re bringing their children in to see him now which is super cool,” Ritchie said. “Pacu is just a fun little goofball.”
Pacu is a black Pacu, part of the piranha family. Ritchie explained that these fish are vegetarian and love fruit, and that these fish, in the wild, typically eat fruits and vegetables that fall in the Amazon River.
These wild fish live on average up to 20 years, but Ritchie explained that with good care and lots of love, they can live much longer. In this case, Pacu has surpassed the average age by 11 years.
“We are feeding him koi pellets but he’s a little bit spoiled and he doesn’t like them so we have to hide them in fruit, so everyday he has some pellets tucked inside of some bananas and strawberries,” she said. “He’s particularly fond of grapes.”
This local celebrity has been around for a long time, long enough where families from different generations can all connect by visiting him. Pacu often recognizes people and swims up to his window for attention.
“I’ve got to know grandkids that come to visit their grandparents every summer and they always have to come in and see if he’s (Pacu) still here … it’s super awesome.”
Ritchie brought up how a young adult came back after college to see Pacu and their first question upon arrival was “Is Pacu still here?” She said she happily reassured them that he was still here.
Pacu joined Ed’s World of Critters when he was just one year old. His previous owner has soon realized the Pacu would outgrow his 20 gallon tank very quickly.
“They surrendered him to Ed over 30 years ago.”
Pacu was in an open top 300 gallon tank where people could pet him, but now he lives in a 2000 gallon tank where he squirms when people pretend to scratch the glass as if they’re petting him.
Ed’s World of Critters is located on 271A Trans Canada Highway NE in Salmon Arm, where Pacu is the centre of attention in the store, and where Pacu could be families’ new tradition.
