Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They are surprisingly nervous and skittish despite their legendary teeth. Sudden movements outside the tank will send them into a panic. They only display their fearless, aggressive nature when food is introduced.

Diet

Omnivore

They require a heavily carnivorous diet of whole fish and crustaceans. White bait fish, shrimp, and high-quality pellets are highly recommended. Live feeder fish carry diseases and should be strictly avoided.

Sex ratio

School

They must be housed in a group of at least six. Smaller groups lead to severe bullying and eventual fatalities. A large shoal promotes natural behaviors and diffuses internal aggression.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feed them one appropriately sized meal every one to two days. Gorging leads to lethargy and massive waste spikes in the water. Clean up any leftover scraps immediately to maintain water purity.

Bioload

The Red Belly Piranha creates an extremely heavy bioload. Massive filtration systems and giant water volumes are strictly mandatory. Their messy meat-eating habits quickly foul smaller aquarium setups.

Flow

Stagnant

They enjoy moderate water flow that provides excellent oxygenation. Powerheads help mimic the flow of their native South American rivers. Proper flow also keeps their waste suspended for the filters.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Breeding is possible but requires a massive, dedicated setup. They form pairs and lay eggs in a substrate pit. The male becomes lethally aggressive while guarding the nest.

Compatibility & tankmates

They are highly predatory and completely unsafe for community aquariums. Keep them only with their own kind in a large shoal. They will occasionally cannibalize weaker or injured members of their group.

Tank level

Middle

They spend their time hovering in the mid-water regions. They appreciate dim lighting and the cover of overhanging branches. They actively school together when traversing the open water spaces.