Red Bellied Piranha

Pygocentrus nattereri

Red Bellied Piranha is a middle swimmer. Keep in a school of 8+.

AggressiveMiddle swimmerKeep in a school of 8+Intermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size
≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm)
Aquarium size
264 US gal (1000 L) or larger / ≥ 78.7" (≥ 200 cm) minimum length
Care level
Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament
Aggressive
Swimming zone
Middle swimmer
Temperature
75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH
5.5–7.5
GH
2–12 dGH
KH
2–10 dKH
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
up to 12 years
Group behavior
Keep in a school of 8+

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 12 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 264 US gal (1000 L) or larger / ≥ 78.7" (≥ 200 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–12 dGH, KH 2–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Red Bellied Piranha is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Keep in a school of 8+.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Keep in a school of 8+.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Before adding this fish

  • Plan for an aquarium of 264 US gal (1000 L) or larger / ≥ 78.7" (≥ 200 cm) minimum length.
  • Make room for its social group.
  • Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
  • Keep in a school of 8+.
  • Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blackberry Silver Dollar Myloplus schomburgkii Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 15.7" (≤ 40 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 75–86°F (24–30°C) Aurora Cichlid Maylandia aurora Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C) Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35.4" (≤ 90 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) Bala Shark Balantiocheilos melanopterus Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar size Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm) 72–81°F (22–27°C) Amazon Leaffish Monocirrhus polyacanthus Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 72–77°F (22–25°C)

FAQ

How large does Red Bellied Piranha get?

Red Bellied Piranha reaches ≤ 13.8" (≤ 35 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Red Bellied Piranha need?

Use an aquarium of at least 264 US gal (1000 L) or larger / ≥ 78.7" (≥ 200 cm) minimum length.

Is Red Bellied Piranha peaceful?

Red Bellied Piranha should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

What temperature is suitable for Red Bellied Piranha?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.

Should Red Bellied Piranha be kept alone or in a group?

Red Bellied Piranha: Keep in a school of 8+.

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