The piranha is considered a very dangerous and very ferocious fish as it belongs to the family Serrasalminae, it is from the genus Characidae, from the actinomycete structure of the chordates.
This fish attacks its prey in large groups, and it adopts an offensive and defensive system at the same time.
The piranha surrounds the prey and circles around it for a short period, after which one of the groups attacks the prey to see if its response is dangerous or not.
It is said that one of the reasons for the extinction of this type of fish is climate change and predation by other animals.
Let’s learn more about it from teketrek.
Piranha specifications
· Length and size:
These fish are distinguished by their huge shape, with a length of about 128 cm. Its size reaches approximately 80 kg.
· Jaws and teeth:
Piranha fish have strong jaws and sharp teeth capable of crushing bones due to their extreme strength. They are sharp like knives, separating the victim’s flesh from his bone in the blink of an eye.
· Many studies have confirmed that piranha teeth are twice as strong as shark teeth.
· the body:
A piranha’s body consists of solid muscles that help it move quickly in the water. Its body is covered with a thin layer of scales.
· Head:
Its head is large and its body is broad and compact. The color of piranha comes in silver, orange, or black.
Amazing and distinctive facts about piranha
· If a piranha stays in stagnant water for a long time or becomes hungry, it becomes very aggressive.
· The upper teeth and lower teeth act as incisors to quickly cut and shred food.
· Piranhas are characterized by their ability to replace and regrow their teeth endlessly.
· You can develop what is called food rabies and become involved in a feeding frenzy.
· This fish is distinguished by its strong sense of smell, which can smell blood from a distance. It also has the ability to sense any vibration that occurs in the water around it.
· It is considered exceptional at defending itself, and even escaping from nets, which tear it apart just as it tears the remains of humans, fish, and plants.
What are the types of piranha?
· Red bellied piranha:
These are the most popular fish of all and look simply stunning, with sparkling silver upper body parts and red to orange lower parts.
· Red-eyed piranha:
Their bodies are one uniform colour, this can be either almost black or more silvery, and what they all have in common is a pair of red eyes.
· Black-spotted piranha:
We will notice a bold black spot behind their heads, hence their name, and they tend to produce large amounts of waste when compared to their size, Therefore, it is highly advisable to install a more robust filtration system.
· Spear piranha:
They are very aggressive, have sharp sets of teeth, and sparkling silver colours. They are overly active fish and need to be kept in huge tanks.
· Piranha Jerez:
They have very laterally compressed bodies, and are characterized by a very slender body, and above the silvery shimmering bodies they usually have a distinctive wide band starting from the mouth and ending towards the dorsal fin.
FAQs about piranha:
· How long have piranhas been on the surface of the Earth?!
In fact, studies indicate that this type of fish has existed for more than 25 million years.
The modern piranha dates back 1.8 million years.
? Are piranhas dangerous
Piranha may attack the South American crocodile and cause serious disfigureme.
· Can piranha be kept as a pet?
Yes, piranha can be kept in freshwater aquariums as a pet, but its special needs must be taken into account and appropriate conditions must be provided.
· Can piranha be placed with other types of fish?
You should avoid placing piranhas with other small species that may become prey to them, and it is best to raise piranhas alone or with fish of similar size
Who eats piranha fish?
· Piranhas feed on plants, seeds, and fruits, and also eat animals that fall into the water, insects, and other fish.
· Some of them feed on worms, and they feed collectively, and as we mentioned previously, they become mad when there is a lack of food.
Where do piranhas live?
Piranhas live in fast rivers and currents, where there is a lot of food to be eaten.
It is widely distributed in fresh water, and is native to the Amazon.
Certain species have been identified in Bangladesh, China, and even the United State ..
What are the most important stages of reproduction in piranha fish?
Piranhas reproduce when they reach their first year, and give birth in slow waters and lakes during the rainy season.
Mating takes place after nests are built for the females to lay groups of eggs in.
The males fertilize the eggs, and the eggs hatch after two or three days, depending on the water temperature. The males and females also fully protect the eggs.
Are piranhas extinct?
No, piranhas aren’t extinct.
In conclusion, piranha is considered one of the most ferocious fish in the world, but it is interesting.
It is distinguished by its strength and ability to hunt collectively, and plays an important role in the balance of the ecosystem.
Despite its terrifying reputation, it is considered an indispensable part of the biodiversity of the rainforest.
