Black piranha
Serrasalmus rhombeus
Also known as Redeye piranha, White piranha, Spotted piranha, Rhombeus piranha
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Adult size
- 15.7 in
- 40 cm
- Minimum tank
- 106 gal
- 400 L
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Own kind
- One per tank
- Tankmates
- Species tank only
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Serrasalmidae
- Origin
- Widespread in the Amazon and Orinoco basins and rivers of the Guiana Shield in South America.
Overview
This is a solitary, intolerant fish that must be kept completely alone, since it will attack tankmates and even other piranhas of its own kind. Give a single adult a tank of at least 400 liters with strong filtration and cover to reduce stress. Take real care at maintenance time, because a large rhombeus has a powerful, snapping bite and should never be handled carelessly.
In the wild
Found in a wide range of habitats from deep river channels to flooded forest and slow lagoons. Older fish are typically loners that stake out a patch of territory and ambush passing prey. The water is usually warm, soft, and slow moving.
Good to know
Serrasalmus rhombeus is one of the largest true piranhas, reaching around 40 cm, with Fishbase listing a maximum near 41.5 cm. Adults develop a dark, almost black body and a striking red eye. Its jaws carry a set of tightly interlocking, triangular teeth.
Did you know
Unlike the shoaling red bellied piranha, the black piranha is a bad tempered loner, and two housed together usually ends with one badly damaged fish.
Common questions
What size tank does a Black piranha need?
A Black piranha needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Black piranha need?
A Black piranha is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.5.
How big does a Black piranha get?
An adult Black piranha reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm).
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