THE CHARACIN FAMILY Characidae

TAMBAQUI Colossoma macropomum (Cuvier, 1818)

DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE: Introduced - Non-reproducing. One specimen caught in August 1993 from Triphammer Pond, Hingham is most probably this species. Identification based on enlargement of photograph published in the Quincy Patriot Ledger (24 Aug. 1993).

REDHOOK MYLEUS Myleus rubripinnis (Muller and Trochel, 1845)

DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE: Introduced - Non-reproducing. A specimen angled from Cook's Pond, Fall River, in late summer 1991 was examined, identified, but not retained by MDFW biologist Richard Hartley (J. Bergin, MDFW pers. com., 1992)

RED PIRANHA Pygocentrus nattereri (Kner, 1860)

DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE: Introduced - Non-reproducing. A dozen or so confirmed hook and line captures in Massachusetts and other verbal reports. Reproduction very unlikely due to cold winter temperatures.

PIRAPATINGA Piractus brachypomus (Cuvier, 1818)

DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE: Introduced - Non-reproducing. A specimen of this pacu-like herbivore was taken on hook and line from Dug Pond, Natick, during August 1989 and deposited at MCZ. A second specimen (2.5 lbs) was taken by an angler from Webster Lake, Webster, in July of 1992 but not retained (J. Bergin pers. com., 1992). A third large specimen (370mm SL, 5.5 pounds) was also taken by hook and line from a pond in Bedford in late summer 1996. This fish was photographed at MCZ and the identification was confirmed by Dr. Leo Nico (USFWS).