How difficult is it to keep Red-bellied Piranha?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the ideal temperature for Red-bellied Piranha?

The ideal temperature for Red-bellied Piranha is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

What is the lifespan of Red-bellied Piranha?

The average lifespan of Red-bellied Piranha is 15+ years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

How large does Red-bellied Piranha get?

Red-bellied Piranha typically reaches About 35-50cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for Red-bellied Piranha?

The price of Red-bellied Piranha varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Red-bellied Piranha

Q: What should I feed Red-bellied Piranha?

Red-bellied Piranha feeds on: Juveniles take bloodworm, small earthworms and chopped prawn; adults take strips of fish, whole prawns, mussels, river shrimp and larger earthworms. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Advanced

Pygocentrus nattereri

A large piranha, silver with a red belly and a single row of sharp triangular teeth in each jaw. Contrary to its reputation it is an opportunistic generalist, but keeping it calls for a very large tank, oversized filtration and great care in handling.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

24〜28℃

Lifespan

15+ years

Size

About 35-50cm

Diet

Juveniles take bloodworm, small earthworms and chopped prawn; adults take strips of fish, whole prawns, mussels, river shrimp and larger earthworms

About

Pygocentrus nattereri is a large piranha found widely in South America and is among the most notorious of all freshwater fishes. FishBase records 50.0cm SL and 3.9kg, giving pH 5.5-7.5, hardness to 20 dH and 23-27C, while Seriously Fish gives 35.0cm SL, 24-28C, pH 5.5-7.5, 2-12 dGH and a base of at least 240 by 90cm. It occupies most habitat types across its range, from main channels and smaller tributaries to oxbows, floodplain lakes and reservoirs. Each jaw carries a single row of sharp triangular teeth used like blades to puncture, tear, chop and crush. It is not, however, an exclusive carnivore but an opportunistic generalist, taking live fishes along with aquatic invertebrates, insects, nuts, seeds and fruit. Attacks on live animals entering the water are very rare and mostly involve accidental bites or fish trapped in shrinking pools during the dry season.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Red-bellied Piranha

The Red-bellied Piranha lives 15+ years.

Size of the Red-bellied Piranha

The Red-bellied Piranha grows to About 35-50cm.

Temperature & humidity for the Red-bellied Piranha

The ideal temperature for the Red-bellied Piranha is 24〜28℃.

Basic Info

Origin

South America (the Amazon basin, plus Guyana and Venezuela, coastal drainages of northeastern Brazil and the Guianas, and south to the Plata system)

Lifespan

Care Specifications

pH: 5.5–7.5
Hardness (GH): 2–12 dGH
Water Temp.: 24–28℃
Min. Tank: 648 L

AggressiveGroup

Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Pygocentrus nattereri Kner, 1858

Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Domestic law: It is not designated an invasive alien species in Japan. Even so, a fish that can no longer be kept must never be released or abandoned.

Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List / Ministry of the Environment, list of invasive alien species (Japan)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.