Scientific and Wild Specimen Data:
Scientific Name:Pygocentrus piraya
Origin:Rio Sao Francisco and tributaries
Adult Size20" SL
Temperature: 78-81F
PH: 6.6-7.1
Food:
Map and Collection Data:
JOHN D. HASEMAN; Verified by: W. L. FINK 1 AUG 1985
Visual ID of this fish
- Rayed adipose fin
- Orange coloration in the form of rays above the lateral line
- No red in eyes
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| Research Information:Further research and collection data needs to be conducted in the field with laboratory examinations as well as aquaria(ecology) documentation of habits and activity.
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In Aquaria
Adult Size16" TL
Minimum Aquarium Size:100 US Gallons
Temperature: 78-81F
PH: 6.6-7.1
Food: Will accept any live fish, thawed frozen fish fillets, shrimp and other meat products.
General Information:A wonderful fish to keep in a large tank. The Pygocentrus piraya will shoal, but can also loose all sense and attack tankmates for no reason. Purported to be the largest of the pygocentrus it is a true wonder to keep.
Aggression: ( 6 / 7 ) The fish is capable of being shoaled, but it also has a tendency to show very aggressive outbursts from some specimens. These very aggressive fish should be removed from a shoal before they cause severe losses.
Breeding:I have not been able to verify any references made to breeding research projects in South America, but they have been listed. No known instances of aquaria breeding.
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This is a large specimen, about 12" TL
And here a baby about 2.5"
A somewhat better picture of a 4-5" TL fish
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Insights from keepers of this fish
This is not a difficult fish to keep. Contrary to popular belief, this fish requires no better water conditions than other piranha that I have kept. It is not a finicky eater. Piraya can get very beligerent for no apparent reason and go on a killing spree.
Ronald Nielson
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