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50. cm inch. The red-bellied piranha, also known as the red piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), is a type of piranha native to South America, found in the Amazon, Paraguay, Paraná and Essequibo basins, as well as coastal rivers of northeastern Brazil. This fish is locally abundant in its freshwater habitat. They are omnivorous foragers and feed ...
- Female
- October 15, 1988
- Writer
- Amazon River. The Amazon River is home to around 20 species of piranha. However, only around four or five species are dangerous. In fact, most species of piranha are harmless and placid.
- Orinoco River. There are around 16 species of piranha in the Orinoco River, including the black spot piranha or Pygocentrus cariba. These piranhas can measure up to 11 inches, making them popular game fish.
- Parana River. The Parana River is the 13 longest river in the world and the second longest in the Amazon basin. It flows through Paraguay, Brazil, Uraguay, and Argentina.
- Sao Francisco River. With a total length of 1,801 miles, the São Francisco River is the longest in Brazil. It originates from Minas Gerais, a state in Serra de Canastra.
Oct 4, 2016 · Red-bellied piranhas are red on their undersides from chin and cheeks to belly. The head and body are various shades of gray; their sides are flecked with bright silver scales. The piranha's distinctly rounded and snub-nosed profile serves a function. Beneath the high forehead are powerful muscles that attach to a short, stout lower jaw fitted ...
The red-bellied piranha, also known as the red piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), is a type of piranha native to South America, found in the Amazon, Paraguay, Paraná and Essequibo basins, as well as coastal rivers of northeastern Brazil. [ 1 ][ 2 ] This fish is locally abundant in its freshwater habitat. [ 3 ]
- General Description
- Current Distribution
- Habitat Preference
- Pathways
- Impacts
- Actions Taken If Found
Piranhas are freshwater, tropical fishes belonging to the family Characidae, which also includes pacus and tetras. Piranhas have deep, laterally compressed bodies. They vary in color by location, population, and age, but many are silvery-gray or golden and some have bright colors such as red or orange on their head, belly, or fins. Piranhas have sh...
Piranhas are not currently found in California or elsewhere in the United States. One piranha was captured in a pond in Riverside County, California in 1987; the pond was subsequently drained and no additional piranhas were found. Two piranhas were reported and one collected in a park pond in Santa Barbara County, California in 1989, however expert...
Piranhas are native to the central and southern river systems of South America, where they inhabit tropical rivers and streams and are often found in murky water. When collected in the United States they have been found in ponds, lakes, rivers, and borrow pits. Piranhas can survive in water temperatures as low as 50°F, and likely establish in water...
Piranhas are popular aquarium fish; the most common species in the pet trade is the red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri). Release by aquarium owners is the most likely pathway for the introduction of pet piranhas into the wild. All species of piranha are on California’s list of restricted animals and cannot be imported, transported, or posse...
Piranhas are aggressive predators that lurk in vegetation and ambush and chase prey. Their diet consists mostly of insects, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, small fish, and some plant matter, but they often feed in large groups to kill larger prey like capybaras. Piranhas have few predators in the wild except man. If introduced outside of their native...
If this species is found in California, do not release it. Preserve (freeze) the specimen and immediately contact the CDFW Invasive Species Program, or email us at Invasives@wildlife.ca.gov, or (866) 440-9530.
Red-bellied piranhas live in lakes and rivers in South America. They sometimes use their mighty mouths to gobble up other fish or animals such as shrimp, worms, and mollusks. They swim and hunt in shoals, or schools, that can include more than a hundred individuals. According to legend, the animals, which can grow about 14 inches long, have ...
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Red-bellied piranhas are gray with pronounced black spots at birth and develop their signature red undersides as they reach adulthood. They live in large groups called shoals. Typically, the younger piranhas are found toward the outside of the group and the larger, sexually mature adults are the center. This placement protects the adults from ...
