Saltwater Aquarist

Red-bellied Piranha

(Pygocentrus nattereri)

Red-bellied Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) in a freshwater aquarium

Species Description…

Scientific Name: Pygocentrus nattereri
Common Name: Red-bellied Piranha
Species Group: Piranha
Tank Type: Species-only
Care Level: Advanced
Temperament: Predatory
Diet Type: Carnivore
Role in Aquarium: Predator
Max Fish Length: 14 (inches)
Min Aquarium Size: 179 (gallons)
Native Range: Amazon basin (Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia), the Río Essequibo, and the Paraná–Paraguay system.
Min Temperature: 75°F
Max Temperature: 82°F
Min pH: 5.5
Max pH: 7.5
Min GH: 2 dGH
Max GH: 12 dGH
Min Group Size:
Breeding:
Lifespan: years

Overview

  • The Red-bellied Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) is the most famous piranha, silver with a red belly.
  • Found through much of the Amazon basin, plus the Essequibo and the Paraná–Paraguay system.
  • Grows to about 14 in (35 cm) standard length.
  • [UNVERIFIED] Illegal to own in many US states. Check your local laws.

Feeding

  • An opportunistic generalist, not a pure carnivore. Eats fish, invertebrates and some plant matter.
  • [UNVERIFIED] Offer fish fillet, shrimp, mussels and quality pellets. Avoid feeding live feeder fish.

Habitat

  • A tank with a base of 96 × 36 in (240 × 90 cm) for a group.
  • Sand or gravel, wood and plants for cover.
  • Water: 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–12.

Fish Care

  • Needs strong filtration and frequent water changes.
  • Take care during maintenance.

Compatibility

  • Best kept with its own kind only.

Aquarium Behavior

  • Juveniles group together. Adults form loose groups with a pecking order.
  • Often nervous rather than bold in aquariums. [UNVERIFIED]

Breeding

  • Has been bred in aquariums. Pairs dig a nest and guard the eggs. [UNVERIFIED]