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Scientific name:
Serrasalmus brandtii
Author:
Rheinhardt and Ltken et al., 1874
Synonyms:
Serrasalmo brandtii, Serrasalmus brandti.
Common namen:
Green Piranha, White Piranha, Lake Piranha, Cavaca.
Distribution:
Brazil: limited to Rio Sao Francisco and certain tributaries.
For a map of the distribution of this species, click here.
For a detailed interactive map showing the distribution of all piranha species, visit the Interactive Piranha Map.
Appearance:
Morphology
High backed species, sharp snouted. First anal fin ray sits forward just after start of dorsal fin ray (imaginary vertical line).
Color of Life
Adults more or less uniformly colored; young with a number of dark spots on sides of body; base part of caudal and rear margin of fin dusky; margin of anal dusky; last simple ray of anal milk-white. Body bronze colored. Fins may exhibit lemon colors.
· Clear eyes
· Placement of anal and dorsal fins
· Concave head shape
Maximum Size
Approx. 25 cm. (10") TL.
Specimen over 20 cm. (8") TL are very rare.
Sexing
Not sexually dimorphic: males and females look similar.
Care:
Minimum tank size
Recommended tank size for an adult specimen is 120x45x50 cm. (48x18x20").
Juvenile specimen can be kept in a smaller tank: minimum 60x30x30 cm. (24x12x12").
Tank Requirements
Plants, drift wood or rocks provide hiding places, the tank lights should be dimmed.
Heavy filtration required to deal with the large amounts of waste this fish produces. A power-head can be added to provide currents.
Dangerous to hands and other extremities. Care is required in handling.
Water temperature
24-29 degrees Celsius (76-84 degrees Fahrenheit).
Water chemistry
pH should be between 6.0 - 8.0, ideal is slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.5 - 7.2
Soft water is preferred.
Compatible Species
None: being a parasitic fin-nipper and very aggressive towards other fish, the Brandtii Piranha should be kept alone.
Breeding
No instances of captive breeding have been reported as of yet.
Diet
Fish (whole, fillet or feeders *), shrimp, cockles, mussels, squid, insects, earth worms, pellets.
Food items such as poultry, mammal meat and organ meat should be fed sparcely: once or twice a month at most. Meat needs to be unseasoned and trimmed of any fat.
On rare occasions this species accepts vegetables, nuts seeds or fruit as well.
Scientific name:
Serrasalmus brandtii
Author:
Rheinhardt and Ltken et al., 1874
Synonyms:
Serrasalmo brandtii, Serrasalmus brandti.
Common namen:
Green Piranha, White Piranha, Lake Piranha, Cavaca.
Distribution:
Brazil: limited to Rio Sao Francisco and certain tributaries.
For a map of the distribution of this species, click here.
For a detailed interactive map showing the distribution of all piranha species, visit the Interactive Piranha Map.
Appearance:
Morphology
High backed species, sharp snouted. First anal fin ray sits forward just after start of dorsal fin ray (imaginary vertical line).
Color of Life
Adults more or less uniformly colored; young with a number of dark spots on sides of body; base part of caudal and rear margin of fin dusky; margin of anal dusky; last simple ray of anal milk-white. Body bronze colored. Fins may exhibit lemon colors.
· Clear eyes
· Placement of anal and dorsal fins
· Concave head shape
Maximum Size
Approx. 25 cm. (10") TL.
Specimen over 20 cm. (8") TL are very rare.
Sexing
Not sexually dimorphic: males and females look similar.
Care:
Minimum tank size
Recommended tank size for an adult specimen is 120x45x50 cm. (48x18x20").
Juvenile specimen can be kept in a smaller tank: minimum 60x30x30 cm. (24x12x12").
Tank Requirements
Plants, drift wood or rocks provide hiding places, the tank lights should be dimmed.
Heavy filtration required to deal with the large amounts of waste this fish produces. A power-head can be added to provide currents.
Dangerous to hands and other extremities. Care is required in handling.
Water temperature
24-29 degrees Celsius (76-84 degrees Fahrenheit).
Water chemistry
pH should be between 6.0 - 8.0, ideal is slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.5 - 7.2
Soft water is preferred.
Compatible Species
None: being a parasitic fin-nipper and very aggressive towards other fish, the Brandtii Piranha should be kept alone.
Breeding
No instances of captive breeding have been reported as of yet.
Diet
Fish (whole, fillet or feeders *), shrimp, cockles, mussels, squid, insects, earth worms, pellets.
Food items such as poultry, mammal meat and organ meat should be fed sparcely: once or twice a month at most. Meat needs to be unseasoned and trimmed of any fat.
On rare occasions this species accepts vegetables, nuts seeds or fruit as well.
