Species · GBIF taxon 2352479
Redbelly Piranha
Pygocentrus nattereriAlso known as Red Piranha, Red-Bellied Piranha
Redbelly piranhas form loose shoals in South American rivers, relying on silver body coloration and crimson bellies for camouflage and social signaling. Their powerful lower jaws contain a single row of interlocking, razor-sharp triangular teeth designed to shear through soft tissue and bone. While often feared as relentless pack hunters, these opportunistic feeders mostly scavenge dead animals and pluck small prey from murky waters.
FreshwaterPredatoryShoaling
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Small fish
- Aquatic insects
- Crustaceans
Predators
- Black caiman
- Amazon river dolphin
- Giant otter
ThreatsHabitat degradation, dam construction, and localized overcollecting
HabitatsLowland tropical rivers, floodplain lakes, streams, and flooded forests
Life span10–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySerrasalmidae
- SpeciesPygocentrus nattereri
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sharp interlocking teeth can deliver painful bites if handled; keep hands clear of the mouth.
- Why it is dangerous
- Powerful jaw muscles and razor-sharp triangular teeth can inflict deep severe puncture wounds and tissue loss.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a deep reddish belly, dark silvery flanks covered in iridescent scales, and a blunt lower jaw.
- What to do
- Avoid touching live specimens by hand, using heavy mesh nets and long-nosed pliers to remove hooks safely.
Responsible observation
- Aquarium Observation: Watch for subtle communication behaviors and shoaling formations in large public aquarium exhibits.
- Safety with Catches: Use heavy wire leaders and long-nosed pliers to remove hooks without placing fingers near the mouth.
Competitor (c) Diogo Luiz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Diogo Luiz · cc-by
Predator (c) Oceancetaceen, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Esquilo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Brian Gratwicke, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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