Hobbies And Interests
Flesh-Eating Piranhas
The iconic piranha, called "real piranha" by some, comes from the genus Pygocentrus. This fish has a thick, powerful body, a convex head and prominent lower jaws with sharp, triangular teeth that fit together like a steel trap when closed. They are extremely muscular and aggressive. Not only are they carnivores but active predators who will chase their prey down and rip it shreds with their teeth. They live in South American rivers and track prey using a powerful sense of smell.
Fin-Eating Piranhas
Piranhas from the genus Serrsalmus are similar in appearance to Pygocentrus, but with a less developed lower jaw. This is because instead of eating animals they prefer to graze on the fins and scales of other fish, even fish within their own shoal. They supplement with nuts and fruits. Curiously, when isolated in a tank, these piranhas show much more aggressive behavior than their flesh-eating brothers, who tend to be skittish and nervous away from their packs.
Pike Piranhas
Also known as elongated piranhas, this species is set apart because its body shape is so different from the typical piranha. They look more like salmon than piranha, though they exhibit the family's signature meanness. They have an attractive silvery skin and are very fast swimmers. Some people chose to keep them in tanks, but they are not compatible with other fish and may try to attack their owners through the glass.
Piranhas Are Pretty?
Believe it or not, many piranhas are regarded quite beautiful and are favored as aquarium fish for that reason. Being pretty doesn't make them nice; they can rarely coexist with any fish not of their species. The golden piranha, for instance, also known as the black diamond or red-throated piranha, has large golden flakes over its sides with a ruby red throat area. The Geryi's piranha, also known as the Violent Line piranha, has a shining silver skin with a dark purple line running from its top fin to its upper jaw. Other examples are the ruby red and iridescent piranhas.