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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🎣 Game Fish ⚠️ Venomous ⚡ Traumatogenic 🌡️ Tropical 🎣 Game Fish

Black spot piranha

Pygocentrus cariba Humboldt, 1821
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Max Length
27.9 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.6
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
19.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
pelagic

📖 Overview

Black spot piranha (Pygocentrus cariba), first described by Humboldt, 1821 is a medium-sized fish in the family Serrasalmidae (order Characiformes). Adults typically reach 27.90 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is valued as a game and sport species and venomous and potentially dangerous to handle.

Scientific Name
Pygocentrus cariba
Authority
Humboldt, 1821
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
27.9 cm
Trophic Level
3.6
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
19.00/100
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Black spot piranha is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Black spot piranha is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; pelagic. Tropical South America: widely distributed in the Orinoco River basin lowlands and tributaries.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater 🐟 Pelagic
Trophic Level
3.6±0.76

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.0182 × L3.12 (TL)
Max TL
27.9cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
19.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.6
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Humboldt, 1821

⚠️ Venom Profile

Medical Warning: This species is venomous. Seek immediate medical attention if envenomated. Contact emergency services and follow first aid guidance below.
Venom Type
proteinaceous neurotoxin
Delivery
dorsal, anal, and pelvic fin spines
Potency
Severe
Mortality Risk
Low
Symptom Onset
5min
Duration
24.0hrs
Antivenom
✗ Not Available
Named Toxins
high-molecular-weight protein (Stonustoxin analogue) acetylcholine
Symptoms
  • immediate intense pain
  • swelling
  • erythema
  • occasional nausea and weakness
Affected Body Systems
peripheral nervous system cardiovascular
First Aid
Immerse affected area in hot water (45 C, tolerable) for 30-90 minutes to denature toxin. Do not apply ice.
Medical Treatment

Analgesia; wound care; tetanus prophylaxis; severe cases may require monitoring for systemic effects.

References: Compiled from Bhide (2018), Halstead et al. (1988) and family-specific envenomation literature

🎣 Angling Guide

Difficulty
Beginner
Fight Rating
strong pulls with head-shakes
Best Seasons
spring,summer,fall
Best Time
incoming tide, dawn and dusk
Line Weight
15-30
Rod Type
medium-heavy spinning
Hook Size
2/0-5/0
Catch & Release
✓ Recommended
Best Months
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Techniques
bottom fishing popping cork soft plastics live bait
Bait & Lures
live shrimp cut mullet soft plastic paddle-tails popping corks
Recommended Tackle
  • medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
  • 30-50 lb braid
  • fluorocarbon leader
Where to Find Them
  • grass flats
  • oyster bars
  • marsh drains
  • deeper channel edges
Tips & Tricks
Popping cork technique attracts fish from distance. Fish moving tides.
Catch & Release Tips

Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.

Regulations Summary

⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

Aquareap Community Observations
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View all observations for Black spot piranha ↗
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