Paul Grogan
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A piranha or piraña ( / pɪˈrɑːnjəˌ - ræn /, or / pɪˈrɑːnə /; Portuguese: [piˈɾɐ̃ɲɐ], Spanish: [piˈɾaɲa]) is any of a number of freshwater fish species in the family Serrasalmidae, [1] or the subfamily Serrasalminae within the tetra family, Characidae [2] in order Characiformes.
Jun 25, 2024 · Piranha is a group of more than 60 species of carnivorous fish with razor-sharp teeth in South American rivers and lakes. Learn about their diversity, behavior, diet, and the myths and facts of their ferocity.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Piranhas’ bad reputation is at least partially Teddy Roosevelt’s fault. When Theodore Roosevelt journeyed to South America in 1913, he encountered, among other exotic creatures, several different species of piranha.
- Piranhas have lived in South America for millions of years. Today, piranhas inhabit the freshwaters of South America from the Orinoco River Basin in Venezuela up to the Paraná River in Argentina.
- Piranhas found outside South America are usually pets on the lam. Piranhas attract a certain type of pet lover, and sometimes when the fish gets too large for its aquarium said pet lover decides its much better off in the local lake.
- Piranha teeth are pretty intense but replaceable. Piranhas are known for their razor-sharp teeth and relentless bite. (The word piranha literally translates to “tooth fish” in the Brazilian language Tupí.)
- They have razor sharp teeth, with tooth enamel structure similar to that of sharks. The piranha has a single row of triangular teeth that are razor sharp.
- Piranha need warm water to survive. As opposed to requiring warm blood – thanks to the world of horror movies – piranha can’t live in water that is less than 54-degrees F.
- Theodore Roosevelt is thought to be somewhat to blame for their reputation. After traveling to South America in 1913, the locals are said to have put on a show for him, by feeding a dead cow to a large group of hungry piranha.
- The word ‘piranha’ actually means “fish tooth” in Amazonian indigenous languages. It is a rather descriptive name considering the teeth and mouth of the piranha.
Piranhas are freshwater fish with specialized teeth and strong bite force. They are native to South America and have various feeding habits, but are mostly omnivorous. Learn more about their behavior, reproduction, and why they are not as dangerous as they seem.
Jan 20, 2024 · Learn about 10 different types of piranha, their habitats, diets, and characteristics. See photos and facts about red-bellied, redeye, san francisco, gold, white, silver, black spot, silver dollar, wimple, and lobetoothed piranhas.
Mar 30, 2015 · Learn about piranhas, the small fish with big teeth that live in South American rivers. Find out about their appearance, diet, behavior, reproduction, and more.
