Scientific Name:
Pygocentrus nattereri

Common Names:
Red Bellied Piranha, Gold Dust Piranha, Redbelly, Red Breasted Piranha, Red, Common Piranha, Ternetzi, Red Piranha.

Location:
Found in the rivers of South America. Also lakes, including man made ones can have these specimens.

Maximum Size:
Maximum size 16" (40cm) rarely found over 12" (30cm) in the home aquarium.

Distinct Features:

• No humeral spot. May have a very light spot. (Like the cariba)
• Eyes are a distinct Red.

Body Characteristics:
One of the most popular piranhas, these are the most recognized by the public for there ferocity. Although many of them can be found to be skittish. Many variants of this, from silver, gold and black. Sloped back shape head.

Ph
Ph should be between 6.0 and 7.5

Temperature
The ideal temperature is about 78-82 degrees

Aquarium

• Juveniles - At least 30 gallons (30x12x18)
• Adults - 20 Gallons per fish starting at 40 Gallons (36x18x13)
• For best results keep at least 3 fish in a 75 Gallon (48x18x21)

Compatible Species
P. piraya, P. cariba

Diet
Live fish*, fish fillets, frozen fish, shrimp, prawns, earth worms, meal worms, crickets, flakes, pellets and other non-processed foods. Mice, small reptiles, amphibians, poultry are some good choices. Never feed fast food, pre-packaged food or other human foods that are not listed here. They can be detrimental to the fish's health.
*Live foods can be dangerous. All feeder fish should be inspected and quarantined. Fish such as minnows, goldfish and other carp-like fish should be avoided.

These fish are dangerous!