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Red Piranha

Pirana-roja
Pirana-roja
Pirana-roja
Pirana-roja
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Theme area:  Amazonía
Scientific name:  Serrasalmus nattereri
Class:  Fish
Continent:  South America
Habitat:  Rivers, marshes, swamps and lakes
Diet:  Carnivorous
Weight:  hasta 3,5 kg
Size:  28 - 33 cm
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The Red Piranha is found in the Paraná-Paraguay and Amazon basins. It can also be found in the rivers of northeastern Brazil and the Guianas.

It is considered one of the most dangerous and aggressive piranha species. Its name comes from the colour of its red belly, which is more intense in males.

It lays its eggs in the sediment, about 5000 of them at a time, in bowl-shaped nests, measuring about 4-5cm deep and 15cm in diameter, built by the males. It congregates in groups of 20-30 individuals and hides in vegetation to catch its prey.

Its main threat comes from commercial trapping.

Conservation Status
Extinct
Extinct in the wild
Critically endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near threatened
Least concern
Insufficient data
Not evaluated

DID YOU KNOW ...

It feeds on plants to obtain sustenance while searching for prey.

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