Utiaritichthys

Utiaritichthys is a genus with 3 species in this atlas, catalogued in the Piranhas & Pacus section, recorded from Brazil. Adult sizes run from 8 in to 12.5 in. Every species below links to a full researched profile.

Species in atlas
3
Adult sizes
8–12.5 in
IUCN assessed
3 of 3
Recorded from
Brazil

About the genus

Utiaritichthys is a genus of serrasalmid fish - the family that also holds the piranhas and the true pacus - endemic to Brazil, its name honouring the Utiariti waterfall on the Papagaio River in Mato Grosso where the genus was first described. The atlas covers 3 species, 8–12.5 in, deep-bodied and laterally compressed like their pacu relatives, adapted to the rapids and rocky stretches of Brazilian river systems rather than still lowland water.

This is a genus of mostly scientific rather than aquarium interest; it does not have an established presence in the hobby, and detailed care or behavioural data stay sparse outside the ichthyological literature. Of the 3 species, 2 are assessed Least Concern and one (Utiaritichthys esguiceroi) is Data Deficient, a status that is common for river-rapids specialists in less-studied stretches of the Brazilian interior and signals a need for more field survey rather than a specific known threat.

IUCN Red List: Least Concern · 2 Data Deficient · 1

The 3 species

Every Utiaritichthys recorded in this atlas. Each card links to a full researched profile — distribution, water parameters, and aquarium care, cited to primary sources.

Pereira & Castro, 2014

10 in SL · DD

Jégu, Tito de Morais & Santos, 1992

Green pacu

8 in SL · LC

Miranda Ribeiro, 1937

12.5 in SL · LC

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How to cite

Aquarist Atlas (2026). Genus Utiaritichthys. Aquarist Atlas. https://www.aquaristatlas.com/utiaritichthys/

← All Piranhas & Pacus