Red Belly Piranha and Black Piranha Care Requirements Guide

Piranha fish the beautiful monsters of the Amazon

Piranhas are shoaling fish belonging to the Serrasalmidae family. Pacu, silver dollars, and tetras are all connected to them. There is substantial disagreement over the number of various species, although it is estimated to be between 20 and 50. The red bellied piranha, Pygocentrus nattereri, is the most popular piranha in the aquarium trade. It is a silver-grey fish with brilliant red-orange in the neck, breast, and stomach region. Females are often bigger and less colorful than males. Other species, such as the black piranha, Serrasalmus rhombeus, and the wimpel piranha, Catoprion mento, which is not a real piranha but a near cousin, are sometimes accessible. The majority of species are not as hostile as their reputation indicates, and many are omnivores, meaning they eat plants, seeds, and fruit. They are fascinating and attractive fish when properly cared for, but they have a few unique requirements, and long-term care takes great dedication. Many locations, notably in the southern United States, prohibit the keeping of piranhas as pets, so verify local legislation before buying one, especially online.

Where exactly is the Piranhas habitat in located?

Piranhas may be found in the Amazon Basin, the Rio Paraguay, the Rio Paraná, and numerous other South American river systems. Open water channels, minor rivers, shallow backwaters, oxbows, and ephemeral forest lakes generated during the wet season are all places where they may be found.

Are there special water requirements for keeping Piranhas?

While wild piranhas live in soft, low-pH water, almost all red-bellied piranhas marketed today are farmed in water with a greater pH and alkalinity than their natural habitats. The majority of other species are collected in the wild, although they may be acclimated to tap water if extremes are avoided. Temperature should be between 75° and 80° F, pH should be between 6.5 and 7.8, alkalinity should be between 3° and 8° (50 ppm to 140 ppm), and alkalinity should be between 3° and 8° (50 ppm to 140 ppm). Use an Eheim Aquarium Heater to maintain correct temperature if the aquarium is housed in a room below 75°. Piranhas, like many tetras and silver scaled fish, are sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can itch if the temperature drops too low. They are also susceptible to some drugs, so check the labels carefully before administering treatment. Maintain adequate filtration and use an Aquarium Water Changer or Siphon Vacuum Gravel Cleaner to change 10% of the water weekly or 25% every two weeks. Before refilling your aquarium, be sure to treat the tap water with Water Conditioner.

What are the tank size and filter requirements for Piranhas?

Baby piranhas may be maintained in aquariums as little as 20 gallons for a short time, but adults will need at least 100 gallons, if not more, depending on the number of piranhas you have. In a well-decorated aquarium with a dark substrate and dim lighting, they will be less stressed and exhibit their best colors. Keep the aquarium cover on tight to prevent them from leaping out if they feel threatened. Provide a gentle yet consistent current. Adults are messy eaters, and keeping high water quality may be difficult. A somewhat bigger filter with strong mechanical and biological capabilities, or the use of numerous filters, is advised. Piranhas should be purchased with caution since they grow large, eat a lot, produce a lot of mess, and live a long time. While returning them to the fish shop or rehoming them is a viable choice in emergency situations, it should never be taken lightly.

What is the general behavior of Piranhas in the aquarium?

Piranhas form schools to protect themselves from bigger predators as they get older, however as they mature, they like to congregate in loose groupings. To prevent cannibalism, some experts advocate keeping them alone or in groups of five or more. They may be hesitant and nervous, particularly when maintained alone or when initially introduced to an aquarium. When the tank is being cleaned, they frequently hide in the corner, but it is preferable to know where they are at all times when working in the aquarium, particularly if you have more than one. Piranhas, on the whole, aren't aggressive, so sticking your hand in the tank isn't a big deal. Provoking or cornering them, on the other hand, will almost always result in a defensive reaction. If at all possible, purchase infants so that they get used to handling and cleaning equipment in the tank before they mature. Palm-sized and bigger piranhas will usually destroy a net by eating holes in it, and even 3" fish will bite straight through a fish bag, thus these fish should be carried in a bucket. In terms of tank mates, although piranhas have been known to tolerate plecostomus and other big predatory fish on occasion, they should be maintained alone.

What are the requirements for feeding Piranhas?

In the wild, piranhas eat a variety of foods including fish, crustaceans, insects, plants, fruits, nuts, and seeds. If at all possible, avoid feeding your piranhas live goldfish or other feeder fish. They are disease-transmitting and nutritionally unbalanced. Adult piranhas that exclusively consume live feeder fish should be avoided. Also, avoid feeding piranhas chicken, beef heart, or other mammalian meals, since these items may include fats that your fish can't digest, causing health concerns over time. Tropical Flakes, Tropical Granules, Shrimp Pellets, and Cichlid Pellets, as well as frozen tropical fish feeds, can help young piranhas grow. Adults may be given carnivore sticks and Monster Fish Medley in sizes ranging from medium to jumbo, as well as freeze dried krill, frozen krill and other big frozen aquarium fish feeds. Rotate their food on a regular basis for optimal results, and only give them what they can take in 2 to 3 minutes. Immediately net or siphon off any uneaten food. If you have more than one piranha, make sure they don't become hungry or they'll start fighting.

Is it possible to breed Piranhas in the aquarium?

Piranhas in captivity are not unusual to reproduce. After a substantial water change, some breeders claim success. The best outcomes come from groups of six or more, yet if the circumstances are ideal, a single male/female pair may easily spawn. Depending on the temperature, eggs are placed in a pit and hatch after 3 to 5 days.