Red-bellied piranha

Pygocentrus nattereri

Deep silver-grey body with an orange-red underside

Adult red-bellied forms are deep-bodied with prominent jaws; colour varies with age and locality.

Natural habitat: Common in creeks and interconnected ponds, also occurring in productive river waters.

Adult size and biting risk require protected equipment and careful maintenance.

Appearance and identification

The shoulder spot is smaller or absent compared with P. cariba.

Juveniles aggregate; adults form looser hierarchies, rather than continuously hunting as a pack.

Suited only to public or exceptionally large private systems with substantial filtration.

An opportunistic feeder taking animal foods and some plant material.

A dedicated setup is preferable; group size does not guarantee compatibility.

Plants may be eaten, particularly around spawning.

Sources