The Red Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) is an omnivorous freshwater fish in the Serrasalmidae family of serrated fish. It is a serrasalmid. It is also known as the Red-Bellied Piranha.
The adult Red Piranha has a reddish tinge on it belly. The rest of its body is silver grey. It has a small mouth with a single row of sharp, serrated, triangular, interlocking teeth. Its bite power is very strong. Its strong jaws and saw-like teeth are excellent for tearing the flesh off animals. It is oval-shaped with a flattened face and large forehead.
Red Piranha
The Red Piranha grows to about 14-26 centimetres (5.5 to 10.2 inches) long.
It is native to South American rivers in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela.
It is not strictly carnivorous (meat-eating). It is omnivorous (eating all things, such as both meat and plants).
The female Red Piranha lays her eggs in holes (pits) dug into the bottom of the river. She protects the eggs until they are hatched.
Red Piranha
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM