Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1816)
Michael Goulding
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Common names
- Bolivia: Pacu
- Brazil: Ruelo, Tambaqui, Bocó
- Colombia: Cachama-negra, Gambitana, Gamitana
- Ecuador: Paco
- Peru: Gamitana
Summary
The gamitana is a medium-sized Amazonian fish with frugivorous habits, whose production is concentrated mainly in the Central Amazon. It migrates during the rising-water season to reproduce and uses flooded forests as habitat during high waters. It is a high-value commercial fishery resource that faces pressures from overfishing, especially on young individuals.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Teleostei
- Order: Characiformes
- Family: Serrasalmidae
- Genus: Colossoma
- Taxon category: Species
Distribution
Potential gamitana production is estimated at 15,500 tonnes, concentrated mainly in the Central Amazon (91%). It is also recorded in the Peruvian Amazon, Madeira, Lower Amazon, Brazil-Peru-Colombia Border and Upper Madeira.
Threat status
Near Threatened (NT) IUCN
Reproduction
The gamitana begins its migration at the start of the rising-water season and moves upstream to spawn in river channels.
Feeding
It is a frugivorous fish. Juveniles feed initially on zooplankton and, during the high-water season, progressively incorporate fruits and seeds. Adults feed mainly on these resources.
Habitat
During the low-water season, adults remain in river channels. As water levels rise, they migrate to flooded forests of different river types, where they find fruits and seeds.
Uses, management and conservation
The gamitana is a first-class fish, with a regional market within the Amazon. Large individuals fetch high prices and have been subject to heavy exploitation. Currently, juveniles account for a large share of catches and there is a history of overexploitation in the Central Amazon and the Lower Amazon.
References
(Not available)