Red Bellied Piranha

These are not the man eating feared demon fish of the Amazon as depicted in Hollywood but rather uniquely and specialized tetras or Characins. Robust schooling fish, Piranhas are more insectivorous than true predators. However any injured fish will readily be consumed ravenously. Fascinating fish to keep if you can provide a rather large aquarium as this species will readily reach a foot in length. They also like most Characins need to be kept in as a large a group as possible. Not only a rather large aquarium but also large scale filtration to handle to large amount of biological waste they will produce. Breeding piranhas isnt very challenging once you have mature adults. Generally the pair will leave the school to find an area in the shallows where they can prepare a sort of next out of leaf litter etc... the will breed and deposit the spawn in their makeshift nest. They make exceptional parents defending their spawn and eventual offspring. I have always reared the offspring separate from the pair to maximize success. Biggest challenge is keeping cannabilism to a minimum by ensuring theres almost always food available for the developing young. This then poses a monumental challenge in maintaining water quality. If you overcome these challenges you can be rewarded. I have been fortunate to have bred 3 species of true piranha now. amazing fish!