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Piranhas are "basically like regular fish with large teeth". [19] A few other species may also occur in large groups, while the remaining are solitary or found in small groups. [3] Although popularly described as highly predatory and primarily feeding on fish, piranha diets vary extensively, [3] leading to their classification as omnivorous. [4]
The black piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus), also known as the redeye piranha, white piranha, spotted piranha or yellow piranha, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish, a piranha from the family Serrasalmidae. It is found in northern South America. It is the type species of the genus Serrasalmus.
Red-bellied piranhas do not stay in groups in order to pack-hunt for larger animals, but instead group for protection against predators. Foraging methods vary throughout the different stages of a piranha's life. Smaller fish will search for food during the day, while larger fish will forage at dawn, in the late afternoon, and in the early evening.
A new species of fish has been discovered in the Amazon: a piranha relative with humanlike teeth. The eye-catcher was named after a “Lord of the Rings” villain.
The word piranha itself is a Portuguese merging of words originating in the Tupi language and may have several meanings including "tooth fish", [5] "cutting fish", "devil fish" [6] or "biting fish". [7] The species name was chosen to reflect Megapiranha's place of origin near the city of Paraná. [4]
It includes more than 90 species. The name means "serrated salmon family", which refers to the serrated keel running along the belly of these fish. Fish classified as Serrasalmidae are also known by these common names: pacu, piranha, and silver dollar. These common names generally designate differing dental characteristics and feeding habits. [2]
The piraya is sometimes available as an aquarium fish. It is not generally bred in captivity, so aquarium pirayas are usually imported from South America and can be expensive. Any other fish sharing a tank with a piraya should be of the same or a similar piranha species. Other types of fish will be attacked and eaten.
The wimple piranha, (Catoprion mento), is a specialized, South American species of piranha that feeds on fish scales. There is some debate over whether or not this species is considered a true piranha. If considered a true piranha, it would be the smallest species of piranha in the world. [1]