Which Amazonian fish is commonly called the tambaqui and has powerful teeth adapted for crushing seeds?

The Amazonian fish commonly called the tambaqui is scientifically named Colossoma macropomum, and it has powerful teeth adapted for crushing seeds.

Tambaqui are large freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Their deep bodies and strong jaws help them process hard fruits, nuts, and seeds that fall into flooded forests during the annual high-water season.

This feeding behavior links tambaqui to forest ecology. After swallowing fruits, the fish can transport and disperse seeds through rivers and floodplain lakes. Its diet changes with seasonal water levels, with more fruits and seeds available when floodwaters reach forest vegetation.

Tambaqui are also important in regional fisheries and aquaculture. They are sometimes confused with pacu, a related group of serrasalmid fish, but tambaqui is a distinct species with its own scientific name.