About
Red-bellied piranhas are gray with pronounced black spots at birth and develop their signature red undersides as they reach adulthood. They live in large groups called shoals. Typically, the younger piranhas are found toward the outside of the group and the larger, sexually mature adults are the center. This placement protects the adults from predators while giving the young easy, constant access to food. Piranhas have a reputation for aggressively swarming. In reality these attacks generally happen only if the prey is already injured.
Habitat
These South American fish are found in the Amazon River basin and other freshwater rivers and streams in the area.
Diet
Red-bellied piranhas feed on other fish as well as insects, worms, crustaceans, mollusks, carrion, plants, seeds, and fruit.
Physical Characteristics
Adult piranhas are approximately 12 inches long and can weigh up to four pounds. A piranha’s lifespan is up to 10 years.
LOCATION WITHIN THE ZOO
You’ll find this animal in the aquarium at Rainforest of the Americas. See Zoo Map.
