TankBud

Red-bellied piranha

Pygocentrus nattereri

FreshwaterFish

Red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri)
H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
12.6 in
32 cm
Minimum tank
160 gal
605 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Shoaling
Tankmates
Species tank only
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
Egg layer · Medium
Rarity
Very rare
Family
Serrasalmidae
Origin
South America

Overview

The red-bellied piranha is a South American shoaling fish for a large species-only tank. It is for experienced keepers.

Did you know

Much of the red-bellied piranha's fearsome reputation is overblown, since in the wild they often act as scavengers and are easily spooked. The famous feeding frenzy is mostly a dry-season response to crowding and scarce food rather than normal behavior. Kept fish frequently hide from people and may nip each other's fins more than anything else.

Caring for the red-bellied piranha

Keep red-bellied piranhas in a group of at least five, in a tank of at least 160 gal (605 L). They want a large footprint, dim lighting and some wood or planting to feel secure. Run strong filtration to handle the mess.

Keep the water at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Red-bellied piranhas are omnivores that eat fish, crustaceans, insects, fruit and seeds in the wild. In the tank, feed fish fillets, shrimp and other meaty foods. Skip live feeders, which carry disease.

They are a shoaling species and get more nervous, not less, when kept alone or in pairs. They hold the middle of the tank and are jumpy. They are aggressive, so keep them in a species tank.

Red-bellied piranhas spawn by laying eggs, and the male guards them. Breeding them takes some experience.

Good to know

The red-bellied piranha, Pygocentrus nattereri, is a serrasalmid in the family Serrasalmidae, known for interlocking triangular teeth and a strong bite. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.

In the wild

Red-bellied piranhas live in South American rivers and lakes across the Amazon, Orinoco and Parana systems. They favor slow or still water with plants, submerged roots and plenty of cover. That cover doubles as hiding space and a hunting spot.

Common questions

What size tank does a red-bellied piranha need?

A red-bellied piranha needs at least 160 gal (605 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a red-bellied piranha need?

A red-bellied piranha is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a red-bellied piranha eat?

A red-bellied piranha is an omnivore. In the tank, feed it fish fillets, shrimp and other meaty foods, and skip live feeders, which carry disease.

How big does a red-bellied piranha get?

An adult red-bellied piranha reaches about 12.6 in (32 cm).

Does a red-bellied piranha need a group?

Yes. A red-bellied piranha is a shoaling species; keep at least 5 together.

How does a red-bellied piranha breed?

Red-bellied piranhas lay eggs, and the male guards them. Breeding them takes some experience.

Related species