Wimple Piranha
NameWimple Piranha
Scientific NameCatoprion mento
Common NamesWimple Piranha, Gold Piranha, Silver Piranha, Parrot Piranha
FamilySerrasalmidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin, Guianas
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Leveladvanced
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)8
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)75-82
pH Range5.5-7.0
Description
The Wimple Piranha (*Catoprion mento*) is a distinctive South American freshwater fish known for its specialized diet of fish scales (lepidophagy). It features a deep, silvery body, an upturned mouth, and often reddish coloration on its fins. This aggressive species requires a large, well-filtered aquarium and is best kept as a solitary specimen.
