Serrasalmus rhombeus

Serrasalmus rhombeus

18 inch Rhombeus!!!:



Scientific Name: Serrasalmus rhombeus
Common Names: Peruvian Black Piranha, White Piranha, Brazilian Black Piranha, Spotted Piranha, Black Piranha, S.Niger Piranha. The Natives call this fish Piranha Preta, meaning Black Piranha, and Piranha Blanco meaning White Piranha.
Range:Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin, Guianas
Adult Size: 18+"
Tank Size: Adult specimens of this species should be kept in a tank of at least 180+ gallons.
Compatible Species: NONE
Hunting Method: Parasitic finniper when young, full blown predatory carnivore when older.

Comments:This large, and very powerful species of piranha is not considered dangerous to man in the wild state. Throughout its life, this fish undergoes many morphological changes. When young, it is primarily a light silver in color with numerous dark spots throughout its body. As it grows, the spots slowly disappear, and the rest of the colors become progressively darker, almost to the point of being completely black. The eyes remain red. Its shape also becomes incredibly blunter and stockier with age. 10" seems to be the "magic number" in which these fish take on their mature stage. When we refer to the black piranha, we are actually referring to a complex of several different forms and closely knit species of fish, all with slightly different habits and appearences. Due to their intolerant behavior, these fish should be kept solitary, and are best suited to large display aquariums.
By Brandon


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