subject: Important Information on Piranha Fish [print this page] Important Information on Piranha Fish Important Information on Piranha Fish
When you think about piranhas it is most likely that you will think of lots of teeth and the ability to strip a carcass bare in minutes. For some people this is an attractive thing and they decide to want them as pets. In reality this is not a true description of piranha fish. They are often shy and may hide in the tank when people are around.They are normally found in the Amazon basin and the surroundings are but somehow they have also turned up in some parts of the United States and Bangladesh. They struggle to survive in colder climates and it is still unknown how they made it there from their natural habitat.
They normally grow to between 6 and 10 inches and although some have grown up to 20 inches this is not usual. They are most easily recognized by their sharp teeth and are able to tear flesh away from their prey with ease. Theodore Roosevelt started the idea that they can clean a carcass quickly. While in Brazil he saw a large group of piranha fish devour a cow. This was a set up as there were far more fish than would normally have been in one place, and they had not eaten for some time. This however is an image they will probably not shed.
They are often kept, as pets and their size must be taken into account. A small tank will not suit them and even though they will probably be small when purchased preparations must be made for the future. It is estimated that each adult fish will need to have 20 gallons of water, so if there are to more than that it is clear that a large tank is required. For the pygocentrus species there should be quite a few as that is how they will have lived in the wild. Just having one will be unfair to the fish and also they will not be on show very much, so will not be a pet to be studied. Regardless of species there should not be 2, as they will fight for dominance quite often resulting in the death of one or both. As with any pets, keeping too many in a space that is too small will make them unhealthy and unfriendly.
The one exception to the rule about company for the fish is the Serrasalmus piranha and this must be kept alone. It is aggressive and will kill any other fish that it comes across. Feeding them should also be carried out quickly as they are not averse to nipping at the hand that feeds them. piranha fish can be very attractive creatures, often having bright colored markings and not the dull brown of many other types of fish. They can be fun to watch and healthy fish will be very active. A lethargic one is probably not well and may need treatment. They pick up disease quite easily and of the tank you about to select your pet from has dead specimens in it do not go ahead with the purchase.
