Animal Profiles
Fish

Piranha

Serrasalmidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Piranhas have a reputation as predators, but their food and behaviour are more varied than that image suggests. This account follows the red-bellied piranha of South American fresh waters.

Red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), the representative described here.

Red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), the representative described here.

H. Zell · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Pygocentrus nattereri is the representative described here. It occurs in several South American river systems east of the Andes. The cited account associates it particularly with whitewater streams rather than typical blackwater habitat.
Habitat
Rivers and lakes
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Fish, insects, snails and plant material are all recorded foods.

Classification

Common name
Piranha
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Serrasalmidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Characiformes
Family
Serrasalmidae
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It also eats plant material.
  • Colour changes with age and location.
  • Eggs can attach to submerged vegetation.

Habitat and range

Pygocentrus nattereri is the representative described here. It occurs in several South American river systems east of the Andes. The cited account associates it particularly with whitewater streams rather than typical blackwater habitat.

Appearance and adaptations

The deep body changes colour and pattern with age and location. Adults often have reddish-orange lower surfaces. A strong jaw and close-set teeth help process a wide range of food.

Diet and behaviour

Fish, insects, snails and plant material are all recorded foods. Individuals can ambush, chase or scavenge rather than following a single feeding method. Eggs attach to vegetation in shallow prepared nesting areas.

Sources

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