Redeye piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus)

Scientific name: Serrasalmus rhombeus Linnaeus, 1766

The Redeye piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus) is a freshwater fish of the family Characidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–27°C (73–81°F). Native range: South America, Amazon and Orinoco River basins, north and eastern Guiana Shield rivers, and northeastern Brazilian coastal rivers.

Redeye piranha care at a glance

Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)

Biology

Occurs in the rapids but is also captured in deep zones of main rivers with the use of fish bait. Is essentially a carnivore, feeds on small fish, crabs, mammals, lizards and coleopteran insects. Its opportunistic behavior allows it to adapt to various biotopes. It is timid and not aggressive but it possesses powerful dentition that can cause serious bites, and is therefore, potentially dangerous. Import is prohibited in some areas. However, the incorporation of this species in fish-based house security systems has been proposed (see ).

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Serrasalmus rhombeus
Family: Characidae (Characins)
Order: Characiformes (Characins)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 41.5
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 5.8 - 7.0; dH range: ? - 10 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins, north and eastern Guiana Shield rivers, and northeastern Brazilian coastal rivers.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Traumatogenic
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)