The Tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) is a freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. This species holds ecological importance and plays a substantial role in the regional economy and food supply. Its adaptability has also made it a subject of increasing interest globally.
Meet the Tambaqui
The tambaqui is a large characin, ranking as the heaviest in the Americas and the second heaviest scaled freshwater fish in South America, surpassed only by the arapaima. It can reach lengths of up to 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) and weigh as much as 44 kilograms (97 pounds), though a typical size is around 0.7 meters (2.3 feet). It features a tall, laterally compressed body with large eyes and a slightly arched back, often with a mainly blackish lower half and gray, yellowish, or olive upper body depending on its habitat.
Its molar-like teeth are similar to human teeth. These teeth are adapted for its omnivorous diet, primarily consisting of fruits and seeds that fall into the water from flooded forests. The fish also consumes zooplankton, insects, snails, and decaying plant matter. Fruits and seeds often make up a significant portion of its diet, sometimes as much as 78-98% during the high-water season. Tambaqui are mostly solitary but undertake large-scale migrations, moving from flooded forests to main river channels as water levels drop, and then forming schools to spawn in whitewater rivers between November and February.
A Valued Food Source
Tambaqui is a prized food fish, particularly in its native range, where its meat is popular and commands top prices in local markets. The flesh is white and firm, often noted for a sweetness attributed to its fruit-based diet, making it suitable for grilling. Beyond its culinary appeal, tambaqui offers nutritional benefits, providing high biological value proteins and essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6.
Its robust nature and rapid growth make it a suitable species for aquaculture, leading to increased farmed production. Brazil is a major producer, with tambaqui being the most widely farmed native fish species in the country, reaching over 100,000 metric tons annually. Aquaculture of tambaqui has grown substantially, from 13,000 metric tons in 2000 to 142,000 metric tons in 2016. The species’ adaptability to varying water conditions and low oxygen levels, along with its ability to utilize low-cost feed ingredients like forest fruits and seeds, further contributes to its suitability for farming.
Beyond the Plate
The tambaqui plays an ecological role in its Amazonian ecosystem as a seed disperser. By consuming fruits and seeds, it aids in spreading plant species throughout the flooded forests, similar to the function birds perform in terrestrial environments. This natural process is important for the regeneration and biodiversity of the Amazon rainforest.
Despite its resilience and importance, wild tambaqui populations have faced declines due to overfishing and habitat degradation. Landings in Manaus, for example, decreased from around 15,000 metric tons per year in the 1970s to 800 metric tons in 1996. To address these concerns, sustainable practices are gaining traction, including responsible aquaculture and efforts to manage wild stocks. Continued research into genetic improvement and optimized feeding methods for farmed tambaqui aims to further enhance sustainable production, balancing economic growth with environmental preservation.