black piranha

Not much is known about the black piranha fish species serrasalmus rhombeus in the wild but many people have them in aquariums. The black piranha is a ferocious fin bitter when young. The black piranha will take the fins from much larger fish and devour whole smaller fish. Black piranha are territorial more so than red piranha. In most cases black piranha are much more territorial than red piranha. When they mature they become much more aggressive. These fish cannot be kept with other fish not even themselves. Black piranha are a solitary fish in aquariums. They will damage or kill all other fish. A 55 gallon tank preferably larger is needed. They eat the same diet as red piranha.

red piranha

The red piranha fish or the red bellied piranha fish species pygocentrus natteri is found in the amazon river in south america. The piranha is carnivourous as you might expect. In the wild it is found in large schools which multiplies the piranha's feroucious eating habits. The red bellied piranha's teeth are very noticable and very sharp. Allowing it to bite through tough flesh.
In the aquarium the red piranha has the same features. This becomes quite clear when you throw in some live fish. Often piranha will devour them in seconds if they are hungry enough. The red piranhas sharp teeth and compact powerful body allow them to devour prey quickly and easily. Ferocious eating habits aside this fish can be skittish in the aquarium setting which is why it is best to have some decor in the tank in most cases. Unless you go to the zoo most aquariums are too small to house a red piranha school but you can house a piranha shoal. I recommend keeping at least three red piranha in a tank. If you don't want to have any problems get at least a 55 gallon tank for 3 red bellied piranha, species pygocentrus natteri. For each additional piranha add 20 gallons to the tank. So if you have 4 red piranha this will require a 75 gallon tank as these fish can grow above 8 inches. You can feed piranha a number of things including, brine shrimp, disease free live foods (not goldfish they arent healthy) and flake food if they accept it.