Fauna
Species

Redbelly Piranha

Pygocentrus nattereri

Also 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
Redbelly Piranha reference1 / 7
(c) Marco Verch, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySmall 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
Classification
  1. FamilySerrasalmidae
  2. SpeciesPygocentrus nattereri
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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