Red-Bellied Piranha

on May 26, 2011

The piranha hunts in packs of 20-30.

Design

Red-Bellied Piranha

These creatures hunt in packs of 20–30. They will either hide in vegetation and ambush prey, or they will chase after their prey. This hunting technique became part of the fish’s instinct after the Fall.

Features

  • The coloring of this fish changes as it grows.
  • Typically, this piranha is reddish-orange along its belly and silver along the top of its body.
  • It has broad, serrated, razor-sharp teeth.

Fun Facts

  • The red-bellied piranha places its eggs in a nest.
  • The danger of this piranha to humans is highly exaggerated since it hardly ever attacks humans.
  • Tooth loss and replacement on alternating sides of the jaw allow the piranha to continue eating.

CLASS: Osteichthyes (bony fishes)
ORDER: Characiformes (leporins and piranhas)
FAMILY: Characidae (American characins, characins, and tetras)
GENUS/SPECIES: Pygocentrus nattereri

Size: Up to 18 in (45 cm)
Diet: Insects, worms, fish, and plants
Habitat: Whitewater rivers of South America

Aquarium Guide

With fun facts about more than 100 animals, this long-awaited Aquarium Guide includes beautiful pictures and reveals the incredible facts and design features that point to our amazing Creator. This handy size guide is excellent for school field trips and family trips to your favorite aquarium!

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