The red-bellied piranha can reach an adult size of 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) in length. Remember that the more piranhas you have, the more often you will need to clean the water. Piranhas are a carnivorous fish from South America, which have a fearsome reputation. Different types of Piranha. If you are careful and fast, the little creature will not bite you. If the area you live in is warm most of the year, a heater might not be needed. Learn what do piranhas eat, red belly piranha tank size and red belly piranha teeth facts. Etymology. If the algae eater is provided with plenty of space and hiding areas, then it should be okay, but this is a risky move. A pair will, therefore, be comfortable in a 60-gallon tank. With younger Red-Bellied Piranha, both sexes are a silvery fish, without their trademark belly coloring. It is not uncommon for piranhas to breed in captivity. Use a water changing device, or python, from a local pet store for best results. Oxygen saturation should exceed 70%. References The water temperature should be about 79°F (26°C). However, it is definitely not suited for the community aquarium. theres not that many videos online about pianaha care. Pygocentrus: from the Ancient Greek πῡγή (pūgḗ), meaning ‘rump’, and κέντρον (kéntron), meaning ‘sharp point, thorn, spine’, in reference to the serrated abdomen in genus members. Research source Red-bellied piranha; Black piranha, also known as redeye piranha; A healthy red-bellied piranha is silver-grey with darker spots. Each week, replace 20 percent of the water in the tank to keep it fresh and check the filters so you can replace them when they get dirty. Write a schedule for yourself to clean the water at the same time each week so that you don’t forget. To care for piranhas, feed them once a day with a varied diet of freeze-dried fish, rainworms, and green vegetables to keep them healthy. Has very sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Choose decorations that you like. Red belly pacu 3”in length The red belly pacu fish looks similar like piranha as juveniles. [3] X Expert Source Doug Ludemann Aquarium Care Professional Expert Interview. A proper habitat is key to caring for your piranha, so create a home as close to the fish’s natural habitat as possible. Consider getting a heater for the water to keep the water a consistent temperature. Great bit of information, "I always loved aggressive fish like bettas or barbs. Test to figure out potential problems like low oxygen, high ammonia, and acidity. Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. Piranha can be dangerous, so handle them with care and don't allow small children to handle the fish. Just as their name implies, the Red-Bellied Piranha has a reddish-colored belly, along with a … The pH level can range from 5.5-8.0. As they get older you can slow down to about once every other day would be best. Diet Requirements: Omnivore. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. The name means “serrated salmon family” which refers to … 27 August 2019. If you absolutely have to remove your piranha from the water, place a bucket or large fish net in the tank and quickly place your piranha in a separate tank. Because these fish often spend their time looking for prey, many people associate piranhas with sharp teeth and an aggressive appetite for meat. Red Bellied Piranha Tropical Fish Learn all about the Red Bellied Piranha's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. Common Names : Red Belly. Decorate the tank with live and plastic plants as well as smooth gravel, and pieces of wood. Avoid giving piranhas dry market feed, flakes or granules. Severe body damage such as bites or chunks of missing flesh, Aiming towards gravel and tilting the tail, both of which are signs of aggression to keep someone from entering the piranhas space, Growing paler in appearance, which can be due to the colors not coming out yet or as a sign of stress, Turning on their sides and rubbing the gravel to itch themselves, which can indicate poor water quality, infection, or just needing to scratch, Holding their mouths open and wagging violently from side to side, which is a sign of the piranha being ready to fight, Chomping mouths repeatedly, which is a sign of hunger, Circling the tank repeatedly as a sign of displeasure with something in the tank or controlling the territory, Intensify colors, which are a sign of the piranha being very happy or angry, Turning black, which is a sign that a piranha is ready to breed, Getting side by side and wagging tails, which is a sign that piranhas are breeding or ready to fight, Biting each others’ fins as a warning to desist or be killed. 27 August 2019. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota. I want 1 red belly piranha. Avoid feeding piranhas live animals. i got 3 red belly piranhas then the two ate the third one so i got another one. Also, test the tank water after each cleaning to make sure the pH and oxygenation levels are safe and healthy for your piranhas. If you’re using live plants, consider hardy, low-light options such as hornwort, java moss, or fern. Consider getting an optional tank screen for the top. This is a good sign you need to change the filters. Specifications: Care Level: Moderate Temperament: Aggressive Minimum Pond Size: 55 gallons Water Conditions: 74-82° F, KH 10-20, pH 6.0-7.5 Diet: Omnivore Max. Put the tank in a place with a relatively consistent temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 25 Celsius). You might see Red Belly Piranhas sold as Pacus because of the inability to differentiate between the two fish. Aquarium Care Professional. Get an aquarium. These fishes grow quickly and reach 12-14 inches if taken care properly. if you have a 20 to 25 gallon, only get one. Red-Belly Piranhas need specific care in a house tank. Feed your piranhas once a day. Many people suggest getting a tank large enough for 4 piranhas to best mimic the natural environment. [2] can any one tell me what i need. after they ate him i didn't get a new one and the two where living fine for about a month. The fish are also a bit timid and will feel most comfortable in a large setup. Doug has worked in the aquarium and fish-care industry for over 20 years, including having worked as a professional aquarist for the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Consider putting the tank in a space with low light. Fish, insects, crustaceans, worms, plant material and carrion. The tank also has many driftwood hide spots and lots of plants. What are the benefits of keeping more than one piranha? There are 29 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 116,387 times. I was sarcastically thinking the same thing Blue, right on. If they get to know you, you should be fine. Test tank water with a test kit that you can get at large retailers and pet stores. The Red Belly Piranha is capable of attacking any size fish and will most often attack tank mates at some point unless well fed and kept in large aquariums with other large aggressive fish species. Protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves when cleaning. Approved. It's best to get at least a 30+ gallon tank for one. Piranhas Breeding Level – Intermediate. None, that would be like having your entire home be a broom closet. Piranhas are naturally schooling fish, so they would feel more comfortable in a group of 3 or 4, but it would be fine to have a loner. All of these can upset the pH of the tank. 0 0. Size : Up to 12 inches (30 cm) pH : 6 - 7.5. Our Price: $15.00 : Red Belly piranha 2.5"-3" (Pygocentrus Nattereri) (fwf piranha pygo red belly 4) Already eating baby feeders and starting to show nice color. Occasionally feed them green vegetables such as raw zucchini, spinach, or potato. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Care-for-Piranhas-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Piranhas-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Care-for-Piranhas-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid305157-v4-728px-Care-for-Piranhas-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"