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Piranhas are freshwater fish with sharp teeth that inhabit South American rivers and lakes. Learn about their taxonomy, evolution, diet, behavior, and threats from this comprehensive article.
Aug 23, 2024 · piranha, any of more than 60 species of razor-toothed carnivorous fish of South American rivers and lakes, with a somewhat exaggerated reputation for ferocity. In movies such as Piranha (1978), the piranha has been depicted as a ravenous indiscriminate killer.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Helen Thompson
- Piranhas’ bad reputation is at least partially Teddy Roosevelt’s fault. When Theodore Roosevelt journeyed to South America in 1913, he encountered, among other exotic creatures, several different species of piranha.
- Piranhas have lived in South America for millions of years. Today, piranhas inhabit the freshwaters of South America from the Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela up to the Paraná River in Argentina.
- Piranhas found outside South America are usually pets on the lam. Piranhas attract a certain type of pet lover, and sometimes when the fish gets too large for its aquarium said pet lover decides its much better off in the local lake.
- Piranha teeth are pretty intense but replaceable. Piranhas are known for their razor-sharp teeth and relentless bite. (The word piranha literally translates to “tooth fish” in the Brazilian language Tupí.)
Learn about the piranha, a ferocious freshwater fish with razor sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Find out how many species there are, what they eat, where they live, and why they are not as dangerous as they seem.
- Rivers, Lakes, Reservoirs, Floodplains
- Amazon Basin
- 10-20 Years
- 30-80 cm
In the slow flowing waters of the Pantanal, over 300 species of Fish can be found. Two common predators that patrol these immense wetlands of Brazil are the Red Bellied Piranha and the Dorado ...
- 2 min
- 4.7M
- BBC Earth
Learn about the piranha, a freshwater fish native to South America with specialized teeth and strong bite. Find out about its different species, behavior, reproduction, and why it is not as dangerous as it seems.
Mar 30, 2015 · The piranha is a relatively small fish with a round body, large head, and bulldog-like face. Piranhas can grow to between 8 and 15 inches (20-37 cm) long. Piranhas swim in groups called shoals.
