Fishician®Diet
Carnivore – frozen fish chunks, large shrimp, earthworms, feeder fish; wean to prepared foods
Aquarium species profile
Red-Bellied Piranha
Pygocentrus nattereri · South America (Amazon, Orinoco, and other river systems)
Minimum tank100 gal
Adult size12"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentAggressive
Temperature75–82°F
pH range5.5–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Own species only (school of 5+ in large tank); they will eat anything else
Tank mates to avoid
Every other species
Care notes
Must check local laws — illegal in many US states and countries. Schools of 5–10 reduce infighting and look spectacular. Often misunderstood; not constantly ravenous but will feed aggressively. Distinctive silver body with red-orange belly. Powerful jaws and razor teeth — handle water with caution.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.