Sustainable resurgence of native Brazilian fish: Tambaqui, pintado, and pirarucu

Over the past four years, production of native fish in Brazil, such as Tambaqui, Pintado and Pirarucu, has fallen significantly. Discouraged by low prices, producers have reduced the number of fish in tanks and net pens. However, these fish, icons of Brazilian aquatic fauna, are poised for a resurgence driven by modern aquaculture practices and sustainable management. According to José Miguel Saud, an expert in the field, farming these species is a viable and economically attractive solution, thanks to technological advances in the sector. Tambaqui, for example, is widely raised in the North and Central-West regions of Brazil, and stands out for its hardiness, adaptability and rapid growth, which makes it a favorite among fish farmers. The Pirarucu, a giant of the freshwater Amazon, is also gaining prominence. Known for its fine meat, the Pirarucu has been increasingly valued in gastronomy, and its captive breeding has played an important role in the recovery of its wild ...