We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Aquatic

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Piranha?

Diana Bocco
By
Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 16,025
Share

A piranha, or piraña, is a freshwater fish that lives primarily in the warm rivers of South America, especially in the Amazonian waters. The name comes from an indigenous South American language, the Tapi-Guarani. It seems to be a composite of two words: pira meaning fish, and sanha, which means tooth. Their fearsome reputation is well-earned: a piranha's teeth are so sharp that they can easily sever a human finger with just one bite. In fact, local indigenous tribes use the teeth in makeshift weapons and tools.

A fairly small fish, the piranha averages 8 inches (17 cm) long, although larger specimens have been found. The largest species, an 11 pound (5 kg) piranha that lives in the Suriname/French Guiana, is actually a herbivore. As is it well-known by most, most piranhas are carnivorous, feeding mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and carrion. Attacks on people are rare, though they do happen sometimes, especially if something like blood attracts them at first. This is especially true during the dry season, when food becomes scarce, and the fish have been known to attack anything that goes into the water.

Piranha fish can make good aquarium pets if owners are willing to put the time and effort into recreating the proper environment. They also require a large tank (at least 13 gallons (50 liters)) to prosper, so people should also consider the added expense. These fish are highly territorial, and they can turn cannibalistic if kept in a small space. They are also shy, so they need to be provided with plenty of hiding spaces. Overcrowding usually leads to fighting, and piranha fish have been known to band in groups, which is why it is a good idea to keep an even number of them in the tank.

When kept in a fish tank, a piranha can be fed shrimp, fish pieces, or basically any fish food available at pet stores. While there are many species, the most popular pet is the red-bellied piranha or Pygocentrus nattereri. Despite its name, this fish can be a variety of colors, from yellow to silver to black. Piranhas are illegal in many places, so people who want to keep them should check local regulations.

Share
All Things Nature is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Diana Bocco
By Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco, a versatile writer with a distinct voice, creates compelling long-form and short-form content for various businesses. With a data-focused approach and a talent for sharing engaging stories, Diana’s written work gets noticed and drives results.
Discussion Comments
By anon10210 — On Mar 22, 2008

What different types of piranha fish are there?

Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco
Diana Bocco, a versatile writer with a distinct voice, creates compelling long-form and short-form content for various...
Learn more
Share
https://www.allthingsnature.org/what-is-a-piranha.htm
Copy this link
All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All Things Nature, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.