Red-Bellied Piranha

Pygocentrus nattereri

Fulfilling the role of the vulture, schools of piranha keep the river clean by consuming dead or injured animals, insects, snails, scraps and even plants. Their razor-sharp teeth can strip flesh from a large animal in minutes, but they themselves are commonly eaten by local people who use the fishes’ jaws as scissors.

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Found At

CONSERVATION STATUS

Least Concern

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The piranha keeper chat is canceled on 4/25/24.