Pygocentrus
ExploreFish
Pygocentrus
Pygocentrus
The Pygocentrus, also known as the piranha, is a small fish famous for its sharp teeth and strong jaws. They live in rivers and lakes and are known for swimming in groups called schools.
Habitat: Freshwater rivers and lakes
Appearance
The Pygocentrus is a deep-bodied, silver-scaled fish, often sporting a striking reddish-orange belly, especially in the Red-bellied Piranha. It has a distinctive blunt head and a prominent lower jaw. Its compact, muscular build makes it visually different from slender, elongated river fish.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderCharaciformesFamilySerrasalmidaeGenusPygocentrus
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite their fearsome reputation, most piranha attacks on humans only happen if they feel threatened.
Pygocentrus fish are sometimes called 'piranhas', a name meaning 'tooth fish' in the Tupi language.
Some Amazonian tribes use dried piranha jaws as tools for cutting hair or sharpening darts!
Their powerful jaws can snap shut with incredible force, strong enough to crush bones!
Special abilities
Ability
Team Tactics
Pygocentrus can swim in large schools because this behavior helps them overwhelm predators and hunt more effectively.
Ability
Vibration Radar
Pygocentrus has a highly sensitive lateral line system that helps them detect tiny water vibrations from struggling prey.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 15-39 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-4 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years
- Swim Speed
- 25 km/h
- Maximum Depth
- 15 m
- Water Type
- Freshwater
Diet & Feeding
These powerful fish mostly eat other fish, but they will also snack on insects and plants.
Age differences: Younger Pygocentrus eat more insects and smaller prey, while adults focus on larger fish.
Primary Foods
- fish
- insects
- crustaceans
- aquatic plants
- fallen fruits
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Peacock Bass
Cichla ocellaris
Juvenile Pygocentrus are prey for larger fish.
eaten by
Payara
Hydrolycus scomberoides
Faster, larger fish hunt Pygocentrus in their habitats.
hunts
Tambaqui
Colossoma macropomum
Pygocentrus targets smaller or injured Tambaqui.
eats
Bloodworm
Chironomus plumosus
Eats various insect larvae in its aquatic environment.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Piscivorous
Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Also known as
Piranha
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Always be careful around water where Pygocentrus live, as they can bite if they feel threatened.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Pygocentrus?
15-39 cm
How much does Pygocentrus weigh?
0.5-4 kg
How long does Pygocentrus live?
10-15 years
What does Pygocentrus eat?
These powerful fish mostly eat other fish, but they will also snack on insects and plants.
How fast can Pygocentrus swim?
25 km/h
Where is Pygocentrus usually found?
Freshwater rivers and lakes
How does Pygocentrus hunt?
Ambush
How deep can Pygocentrus go?
15 m
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