Frozen product forms for longer-distance distribution
Grading Factors
Size class (e.g., 'medium')
Freshness indicators (appearance, odor) and handling damage
Hygienic condition (cleanliness, proper evisceration/bleeding where used)
Market
Fresh cachama is a tropical freshwater finfish product typically referring to South American serrasalmid species sold into local and regional fresh-fish channels, with limited transparency in global customs statistics because the product is often grouped under broader fish categories. At the species level, FAO naming recognizes Piaractus brachypomus as “cachama blanca,” while Colossoma macropomum is widely associated with “cachama/cachama negra” and “tambaqui” in Brazil. Production is concentrated in inland aquaculture systems in South America, and FAO aquaculture statistics (as relayed via FishBase) also show reported aquaculture production of Piaractus brachypomus in China. Market performance in fresh form is strongly shaped by cold-chain execution and time–temperature control from harvest through retail.
Major Producing Countries
브라질National statistics track tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) as a key farmed fish species in Brazilian freshwater aquaculture.
콜롬비아Cachama is included among nationally prioritized aquaculture species in government-led zoning work (UPRA/AUNAP).
중국FAO aquaculture production reporting for Piaractus brachypomus is shown in FishBase’s FAO Aquaculture List (species-level aquaculture statistics relay).
페루FAO aquaculture production reporting for Piaractus brachypomus is shown in FishBase’s FAO Aquaculture List (species-level aquaculture statistics relay).
볼리비아FAO aquaculture production reporting for Piaractus brachypomus is shown in FishBase’s FAO Aquaculture List (species-level aquaculture statistics relay).
Tropical freshwater serrasalmid (pacu/tambaqui group); commonly marketed as fresh and frozen depending on channel and distance-to-market.
Packaging
Fresh/chilled handling typically relies on rapid chilling (ice) and hygienic packaging consistent with Codex guidance for fresh fish.
Supply Chain
Value Chain
Aquaculture harvest -> washing/rinsing as needed -> evisceration/cleaning (market-dependent) -> icing/chilling -> refrigerated transport -> wholesale/retail
Temperature
For fresh (chilled) fish, chilling is only complete when product temperature approaches that of melting ice; time–temperature control is critical throughout distribution.
Shelf Life
Fresh cachama is highly perishable in global distribution; loss of cold-chain continuity accelerates spoilage and constrains tradable distance and market reach.
Risks
Aquatic Animal Disease HighDisease emergence and re-emergence is a critical disruptor for tropical freshwater aquaculture supply, especially where production intensifies and live-fish or seed movements occur; outbreaks can cause rapid mortality, reduce output, and trigger movement or trade restrictions.Implement farm-level biosecurity, health surveillance, and responsible antimicrobial use aligned with FAO aquatic health guidance and WOAH Aquatic Code principles; tighten controls on broodstock and fingerling sourcing and movements.
Food Safety MediumFresh fish trade performance depends on hygiene and cold-chain control; failures in chilling and handling can increase microbiological risk and spoilage, leading to rejection and market loss.Apply Codex Code of Practice controls for fresh fish handling, including rapid chilling and prerequisite hygiene programs; use HACCP-based controls where applicable.
Traceability And Species Identification Medium“Cachama” can refer to multiple closely related species and market names (e.g., Piaractus and Colossoma), creating labeling and documentation risk in cross-border trade and complicating consistent buyer specifications.Use scientific names (and, where available, FAO/ASFIS references) in commercial documents and labels; apply species verification controls for higher-risk channels.
Sustainability
Water quality and effluent management in inland pond/cage aquaculture systems
Responsible antimicrobial use and aquatic animal health management to limit AMR risks
FAQ
What species is usually sold as “cachama” in trade?FAO official naming lists Piaractus brachypomus as “cachama blanca.” In many Spanish-speaking markets, “cachama” (often “cachama negra”) is also used for Colossoma macropomum, commonly called “tambaqui” in Brazil—so buyers should specify the scientific name in contracts and labels.
Where is farmed cachama produced at a global level?Production is concentrated in inland aquaculture in South America (with Brazil a major producer of tambaqui/“cachama negra” and countries like Colombia and Peru farming cachama/paco). FAO aquaculture statistics as relayed in FishBase also show reported aquaculture production of Piaractus brachypomus in China.
What is the key handling requirement for fresh cachama in international distribution?Fresh fish quality and safety depend on strict time–temperature control: Codex guidance emphasizes prompt chilling and maintaining the fish at temperatures approaching melting ice throughout handling and transport.