| Family: |
Serrasalmidae (Piranhas and pacus), subfamily: Serrasalminae |
| Max. size: |
41.5 cm SL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 3,830.0 g |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 5.80000019073486 - 7; dH range: 10 |
| Distribution: |
South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins, north and eastern Guiana Shield rivers, and northeastern Brazilian coastal rivers. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Occurs in the rapids but is also captured in deep zones of main rivers with the use of fish bait. Is essentially a carnivore, feeds on small fish, crabs, mammals, lizards and coleopteran insects. Its opportunistic behavior allows it to adapt to various biotopes (Ref. 12225). It is timid and not aggressive but it possesses powerful dentition that can cause serious bites, and is therefore, potentially dangerous. Import is prohibited in some areas. However, the incorporation of this species in fish-based house security systems has been proposed (see Ref. 9506). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
traumatogenic |
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