Redeye piranha
📖 Overview
Adults occur in the rapids but is also captured in deep zones of main rivers with the use of fish bait. They are essentially carnivores feeding on small fish, crabs, mammals, lizards and coleopteran insects. Their opportunistic behavior allow them to adapt to various biotopes . They are timid and not aggressive but possess powerful dentition that can cause serious bites, and is therefore, potentially dangerous. Import is prohibited in some areas. However, the incorporation of this species in fish-based house security systems has been proposed (see Ref. 9506).
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
: short and / or deep; Cross section: flattened.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Redeye piranha is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 5.8 - 7.0; dH range: ? - 10; potamodromous . Tropical; 23°C - 27°C South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins, north and eastern Guiana Shield rivers, and northeastern Brazilian coastal rivers.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
⚠️ Venom Profile
- immediate intense pain
- swelling
- erythema
- occasional nausea and weakness
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
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pygocentrus niger | Jardine & Schomburgk | 1841 | Synonym |
| Pygocentrus normani | Géry | 1964 | Synonym |
| Salmo rhombeus | Linnaeus | 1766 | Synonym |
| Serrasalmo humeralis gracilior | Eigenmann | 1915 | Synonym |
| Serrasalmo immaculatus | Cope | 1878 | Synonym |
| Serrasalmo paraense | Steindachner | 1908 | Heterotypic |
| Serrasalmus boekeri | Ahl | 1931 | Synonym |
| Serrasalmus niger | Jardine | 1841 | Synonym |
| Serrasalmus normani | Géry | 1964 | Synonym |
| Serrasalmus paraense | Steindachner | 1908 | Heterotypic |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 79 records indexed .
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