The distinguishing feature of the piranha is it's razor sharp teeth. These teeth are needle like in appearance and may grow in several rows.
Piranha coloration varies between different species but a dark grey green body is typical. A red or orange flush can often be seen on the belly and lower fins.
The larger the school the more aggressive the individual piranha will become. Feeding frenzies of piranhas may consume stray cattle in a single feeding.
The piranha has been observed spawning as a group. Like many other characidae they will often eat the newly laid eggs before they can hatch.
The potential for harm by these fish will keep the piranha a restricted import species unobtainable by some tropical fish keepers. If you do live in a country where piranha are available you should keep them with their own species. A large aquarium with a school of piranha is a spectacular sight.
Family - Characidae
Size -Up to 40 cm
Fish Origin - Amazon Basin and other South America
Water - Different species prefer different water chemistry
Temperature - 24-28°C
Feeding - In the wild piranhas mainly eat other fish, but can feed on stray mammals including humans.
Sexing - No general distinguishing features
Breeding - Captive reproduction has been recorded
Aquarium - Despite it's diet and nature some examples of cohabitation have been observed in captivity
Piranha Schools
When piranhas are grouped in a school it will cause the individual fish to behave more aggressively. The feared feeding frenzy of the piranha results from this aggressive group mentality. A large school can strip the flesh from a cow in little time.
