Red piranhas are found in lakes and rivers throughout South America, most notably the Amazon River.
The life of a red piranha
Red piranhas grow up to one foot long, weigh up to four pounds and can live about 10 years. They often travel in schools of 20 or more, hunting food together. They attack in swarms but usually only if their prey is already injured.
During mating, males swim in circles as part of a courtship display. Females deposit eggs in the water and males fertilize them. Males build a nest for the eggs and protect them until they hatch after about 10 days.
Red piranhas have razor sharp teeth on their lower jaws capable of slicing through bone. They are omnivores that feed on smaller fish, crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, insects, algae, and aquatic plants. They are scavengers and opportunistic feeders that will bite at birds or mammals that enter the water.
Predators include crocodiles, birds of prey, jaguars and larger fish, as well as humans who fish on the Amazon River.
Red piranhas at the zoo
Located in the Africa area.
