TankBud

Black piranha

Serrasalmus rhombeus

Also known as Redeye piranha, White piranha, Spotted piranha, Rhombeus piranha

FreshwaterFish

Black piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus)

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

The black piranha is one of the largest true piranhas, suited only to a species tank. It suits a careful keeper with a little experience.

Did you know

Unlike the shoaling red-bellied piranha, the black piranha is a bad-tempered loner. Two housed together usually end up with one badly damaged fish.

Caring for the black piranha

Give a single adult black piranha at least 106 gal (400 L), with strong filtration and cover to reduce stress. Keep the water at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It keeps to the middle of the tank.

The black piranha is aggressive and intolerant, so it must live completely alone. It will attack tank mates and even other piranhas of its own kind.

Take real care at maintenance time. A large rhombeus has a powerful, snapping bite, so never handle it carelessly.

Good to know

The black piranha, Serrasalmus rhombeus, belongs to the family Serrasalmidae. FishBase lists its maximum length 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. It is also sold as the redeye, white, spotted or rhombeus piranha.

In the wild

The black piranha is widespread in the Amazon and Orinoco basins and the rivers of the Guiana Shield in South America. It lives in a wide range of habitats, from deep river channels to flooded forest and slow lagoons. The water is usually warm, soft and slow moving. Older fish are typically loners that stake out a patch of territory and ambush passing prey.

From published sources

Tank mates

Seriously Fish, OPEFE (Oregon Piranha Exotic Fish Exhibit) and Aquarium Glaser keep the black piranha in a tank of its own.

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).

Can the black piranha live with other fish?

Seriously Fish, OPEFE (Oregon Piranha Exotic Fish Exhibit) and Aquarium Glaser keep the black piranha in a tank of its own.

Related species