Red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri)

The Red-bellied Piranha is the most well-known representative of piranhas and fascinates with its robust physique, silvery flanks, and strikingly red belly coloration. Pygocentrus nattereri appears calm and reserved, yet exhibits pronounced schooling behavior and an impressive presence, especially in larger groups.

This species is not a frantic constant hunter, but a cautious, intelligent predatory fish with a clear hierarchy within the school. For successful keeping, plenty of space, structured aquariums with retreats, and stable water values are crucial. Keeping should exclusively be in groups to avoid stress and aggression.

Keeping Data:
Final Size: approx. 30–35 cm
Origin: South America (Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraná Basins)
Temperature: 24–28 °C
pH-Value: 5.5–7.5
General Hardness: soft to medium-hard
Social Behavior: predatory, intraspecifically school-oriented
Aquarium Size: from approx. 600–800 l for a group, structured setup
Food: Carnivore – fish fillet, shrimp, mussel meat, insects, high-quality frozen food

Delivery size: 5-6cm