| Family: |
Serrasalmidae (Piranhas and pacus), subfamily: Serrasalminae |
| Max. size: |
20 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish |
| Distribution: |
South America: Amazon River basin. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Occurs in rivers and estuaries. Feeds on the fins of other fish. Oviparous (Ref. 205). Dies at less than 11°C. Its reproduction in captivity has been carried out (Ref. 12225). Although armed with strong, sharp teeth, it is however not dangerous to man. When captured with fishing nets, it must be released because it attacks the other fish caught in the net (Ref. 27188). Of the few piranhas which have escaped from aquaria in the USA, only this species was able to establish a breeding population in Dade County, Florida which was eradicated in 1981 (Ref 1739). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 December 2020 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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