Piranhas, known for their sharp teeth and predatory behavior, occupy a unique place among freshwater fish. These fish live in the waters of South America, where there are more than 30 different species of piranha, each with its own characteristics. Depending on the type of habitat, size, behavior and diet, piranhas demonstrate significant diversity. Let's consider the most famous species and find out how they differ from each other and what role they play in ecosystems.
Red-Bellied Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri)
Description of the Species
Red-bellied piranha is one of the most famous and studied species. It is easily recognized by the bright red or orange color on the lower part of the body and silvery-gray scales on top. Adults reach a length of 25-30 cm, and it is this species that is often associated with aggressive behavior.
Behavior and Nutrition
Red-bellied piranhas prefer to stay in schools, especially in conditions when food becomes scarce. Contrary to popular belief, they do not always exhibit aggressive behavior - such attacks in a school occur mainly when there is a lack of food. Their diet consists mainly of small fish, insects and aquatic invertebrates, although in conditions of food shortage they can also attack larger animals.
Black Piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus)
Description of the Species
The black piranha, or diamond-shaped piranha, is distinguished by its dark color and a more powerful physique. This species can reach impressive sizes - up to 40 cm in length. The jaws of the black piranha are especially strong, and this species has one of the most powerful bites among all fish living in fresh water.
Aggressive Behavior and Solitary Lifestyle
Unlike the red-bellied piranha, the black piranha is solitary and extremely aggressive. It attacks its prey suddenly, using a strong bite to deal with even large fish. The black piranha is a kind of solitary predator that prefers not to share its territory and prey with other fish, including representatives of its own species.
Thin-Striped Piranha (Pygocentrus cariba)
Species description
The thin-striped piranha is gray or silvery in color with a slight shade of pink or orange on the lower part of the body. Its body length can reach 25-30 cm, and the stripes on the sides, which give this species its name, help it blend into the environment.
Behavior and Habitat
This species lives mainly in the Orinoco and Amazon rivers. Unlike some other species, the yellow-banded piranha is more likely to hunt in groups and actively cooperates with each other when eating prey. Their diet includes small fish and aquatic invertebrates, as well as fruits and vegetation that fall into the water from trees.
Yellow-Bellied Piranha (Serrasalmus elongatus)
Species Description
The yellow-bellied piranha is distinguished by its elongated body shape and a yellowish tint on the belly. This species prefers to swim alone and is found in shallower, quieter parts of rivers, as well as in stagnant waters.
Feeding and Behavior
Yellow-bellied piranhas feed mainly on fish and small aquatic inhabitants, sometimes hunting larger animals. Unlike other piranhas, this species is more cautious and prefers to attack prey from behind. Their smooth and stealthy behavior makes them excellent hunters in dense aquatic plants.
Diamond Piranha (Serrasalmus spilopleura)
Species Description
The diamond piranha got its name for the characteristic light spots on its body, reminiscent of shimmering diamonds. Its body is silvery-gray with a golden or copper tint, and its size varies from 15 to 20 cm.
Aggressiveness and Stationary Behavior
The diamond piranha is less aggressive than the black piranha, but also tends to be solitary. Most often, it hunts small fish and insects. This species is not particularly prone to migration and prefers to stay in one place, maintaining a stable population in certain areas.
Red-Spotted Piranha (Serrasalmus sanchezi)
Species Description
The red-spotted piranha is a bright and attractive species with red spots on its sides and belly. Its body is relatively small, usually no more than 15-18 cm in length, and this species is often kept in aquariums.
Character and Diet
Despite its relatively small size, the red-spotted piranha can be aggressive, especially towards members of its own species. It feeds on small fish, insects, and sometimes vegetation. In the wild, the red-spotted piranha often hunts from an ambush, which helps it catch faster fish.
Compressed Piranha (Pygocentrus compressus)
Species Description
This species gets its name from its compressed, somewhat flattened body. The compressed piranha is usually silvery in color with a reddish tint on the underside. It grows to 20-25 cm in size and is known for its hardiness.
Behavior and Diet
Pressed piranhas often live in small groups and feed primarily on small fish and insects. Their primary habitat is shallow, shallow water, where they use the surrounding plants and driftwood to hunt from cover.
Mini Piranha (Serrasalmus maculatus)
Species Description
The Mini Piranha, also known as the Spotted Piranha, is small in size, rarely exceeding 15 cm. Its body is covered in spots, and its color varies from silver to yellow.
Behavior and Diet
This species primarily lives in the murky waters of rivers and lakes, where its spotted coloration helps camouflage. Mini Piranhas feed on insects, small fish, and even plants. They are not as aggressive as some other species, but can defend their territory if necessary.
Silamina Piranha (Pygocentrus altus)
Species Description
Silamina piranha has a relatively compact and stocky build, its size varies from 18 to 25 cm. Its coloring includes silvery shades with dark spots all over the body, which makes it similar to other representatives of the genus Pygocentrus.
Aggressiveness and Hunting Methods
Silamina piranha prefers to stay in schools and attack prey in groups, which is typical for its species. This species lives in large rivers, such as the Amazon, and hunts fish, invertebrates and insects. Unlike solitary species, silamina piranhas closely cooperate when catching prey, which allows them to control large territories.
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Conclusion
Piranhas are diverse and adapted to different conditions fish, each of which plays its own unique role in aquatic ecosystems. Whether it is an aggressive black piranha or a peaceful spotted piranha, they all have their own characteristics that help them survive in the wild nature of South America.