Red-bellied Piranha
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/28989949@N07">Gregory Moine</a> from Niantic, USA (CC BY 2.0)
NameRed-bellied Piranha
Scientific NamePygocentrus nattereri
Common NamesRed-bellied Piranha, Red Piranha, Natterer's Piranha
FamilySerrasalmidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco River Basin, Paraguay River Basin, Paraná River Basin
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)125
Max Size (Inches)12
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)75-82
pH Range6.0-7.5
Description
Red-bellied Piranhas are known for their distinctive red belly and powerful jaws. Although they have a reputation for being very aggressive, they are very sociable fish living in schools in the wild. Adults primarily feed on worms, insects, and other fish, mostly at night and dawn.
