[3] X Expert Source Doug Ludemann Aquarium Care Professional Expert Interview. Best alternative is using one internal and one external filter to keep water clear in same time. Red-bellied piranhas often travel in shoals as a predatory defense, but rarely exhibit group hunting behavior. As a rule of thumb, you want about 20 gallons of water per animal or 60 gallons for 4 piranhas. Put the tank in a place with a relatively consistent temperature of 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 25 Celsius). Red belly pacu 3”in length The red belly pacu fish looks similar like piranha as juveniles. Can I put in live food for the piranhas to hunt for themselves? Red-belly Piranha will swim in all parts of the aquarium. Some are a brownish grey with darker spots. Size: 12″ Origin: South America Family: Cyprinidae Overview: The Red Belly Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereriRed) has been available within the aquarium hobby trade for decades. Clean the aquarium more often if you notice excess waste—remember piranhas are messy—or odor. Fish, insects, crustaceans, worms, plant material and carrion. Like all fish from the Amazon, they do best in soft, slightly acidic water. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Baby Red Belly Piranhas can fed about 2 to 3 times a day. However, Red Belly Pacu only look like piranha as juveniles. However, you may want less. 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. There are 29 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Common Names : Red Belly. The Characins is the group of fish, primarily from South America and Africa, that is best known as the Tetras. Size. For tips on how to know if your piranhas are sick, read on. If you live in a cold area, get a heater. In the wild, piranhas live in murky water that is under the canopy of the rain forest so their eyes have adapted to dimmer lighting. Place as many decorations as you like in the tank, but remember that your piranhas should be able to swim freely without hindrance. This is a good sign you need to change the filters. The red-bellied piranha can reach an adult size of 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) in length. Piranhas will not usually eat characins as they are a characin themselves. Often times, especially in the juvenile stage, the Red Belly Pacu is confused with their cousin the Red Belly Piranha. Consider getting a heater for the water to keep the water a consistent temperature. Because these fish often spend their time looking for prey, many people associate piranhas with sharp teeth and an aggressive appetite for meat. 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. Add several small filters to the water or one very powerful external filter to keep the water clean. I have a 15 gallon tank with lots of hiding spots and everything. Find a low-traffic space in which to put the tank. Piranha can be dangerous, so handle them with care and don't allow small children to handle the fish. They will attack and eat the other fish. Yes it will. Piranhas should eat everything given to them within two minutes or this can contribute to poor water quality and susceptible to disease. If the algae eater is provided with plenty of space and hiding areas, then it should be okay, but this is a risky move. The only exception is vegetables, which can be left for a few hours. 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. Test tank water with a test kit that you can get at large retailers and pet stores. A piranha tank needs extra filtration. The Red Belly Pacu fish looks very similar and is sometimes sold to customers as the Red Belly Piranha. However, it is definitely not suited for the community aquarium. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If you’re using live plants, consider hardy, low-light options such as hornwort, java moss, or fern. Remember that the more piranhas you have, the more often you will need to clean the water. Wild from Peru. Make sure the driftwood fits in the tank and gives your piranhas plenty of space to swim freely. Search for the red belly pacu for sale near me and get this fish at a very affordable and discounted price. Piranhas will eat guppies, specially when the guppies you feed them are alive. Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The water temperature should be about 79°F (26°C). Feeding them more often can lead to overfeeding and increases the amount of waste in the tank. Just as their name implies, the Red-Bellied Piranha has a reddish-colored belly, along with a … The name means “serrated salmon family” which refers to … The red belly pacu will grow rather quickly and may reach 12 - 24 inches (30 - 61 cm) if properly taken care of. Oxygen saturation should exceed 70%. If the area you live in is warm most of the year, a heater might not be needed. Vacuum the gravel and remove any waste while using the water changing device or when the tank water is low and no piranhas are in the tank. Red Belly Pacu is a common name used to refer to several species of omnivorous South American freshwater serrasalmid fish that are related to the piranha Serrasalminae is a family of characiform fish recently elevated to family status. For tips on how to know if your piranhas are sick, read on. Size : Up to 12 inches (30 cm) pH : 6 - 7.5. See the Piranha Care Sheet on the forum for more details on keeping them. Give your piranhas processed, frozen, and freeze dried foods including fish, crabs, prawns, rainworms and shed snakeskin. He received his Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior from the University of Minnesota. Choose decorations that you like. As it happens, as the fish age, that red belly can discolor as well. ... but these can also fall victim to a piranha. But never fear, piranhas are unlikely to attack humans and large animals unless they feel threatened or trapped, or are starving. Scientific Name : Pygocentrus nattereri. By properly setting up a tank and tending to the fish, you can care for and enjoy piranhas as pets. Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. What gallon tank would I need for one piranha? Piranhas are a carnivorous fish from South America, which have a fearsome reputation. Learn what do piranhas eat, red belly piranha tank size and red belly piranha teeth facts. For a single piranha, you want, at the very least, a 25-gallon tank, but 30+ gallons would be advisable. The red-bellied piranha can reach a size of 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) in length. Red-Belly Piranha Tank Concepts. Last Updated: November 10, 2020 Temp ideally 27-28C. Be aware that you shouldn’t remove your piranhas from the tank if at all possible. Good live foods are guppies and minnows. Piranhas are relatively easy to keep alive, but can get to be large and can live for 10-20 years. By far the most common Piranha kept in aquariums are the Red-Bellied Piranha. Piranha live in shoals in rivers and streams as well as lake environments. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Care Level : Moderate. i don't want to get any more if hes just going to keep killing them. Consider getting an optional tank screen for the top. You might see Red Belly Piranhas sold as Pacus because of the inability to differentiate between the two fish. I have a 75 gallon tank with a tiger Oscar, 4 African cichlids, and a few snails. Smell the water to see if it has a foul odor. These apprehensive fish will be less timid if kept in a school of 4 or more. Many piranhas like the dark color of the water, but it may be difficult to see your fish. but then the bigger one ate the little one. Expert Interview. None, that would be like having your entire home be a broom closet. Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, an aquarium services company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Red-bellied piranha; Black piranha, also known as redeye piranha; A healthy red-bellied piranha is silver-grey with darker spots. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. When keeping more than one piranha, make sure they do not go hungry or they may go after each other. Many people suggest getting a tank large enough for 4 piranhas to best mimic the natural environment. I wanted to know if my tank could hold 1-3 red belly piranhas. The anal fins can be spotted. Then, remove any food that’s left in the tank after a few minutes so that it doesn’t pollute the water. A good rule of thumb is 50-75% coverage in the tank to make your piranhas feel comfortable. Doug Ludemann. What are the benefits of keeping more than one piranha? When finding a habitat for piranhas, bigger is always better. Red-Belly Piranhas need specific care in a house tank. Not only can they introduce disease to your piranhas, but can contribute significantly to waste in the tank. Approved. My piranhas are actually very well behaved. Piranhas have very sharp teeth and strong jaws. All of these can upset the pH of the tank. More fish means a bigger tank and more food. Recent studies on the Red-Bellied Piranha’s nose have indicated that the animal is capable of smelling one drop of blood within 200 liters of water (smithsonianmag.com). Remember that piranhas generally attack when they feel threatened or are hungry. "Always been interested in these great fish, so I thought I might look into keeping some. [1] Protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves when cleaning. By using our site, you agree to our. Feed your piranhas once a day. Your tank should measure at least 60 x 24 x 24 inches (150 x 60 x 60 cm). They will attack and eat the other fish. Different types of Piranha. they whee doing fine but then that ate that one. This article was co-authored by Doug Ludemann. Red Bellied Piranha. The pH level can range from 5.5-8.0. Aquarium Care Professional. Red Belly Piranha Aquarium Care, Feeding and Native Habitat Information The Red Belly Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereriRed) has been available within the aquarium hobby trade for decades. They are omnivorous foragers and feed on insects, worms, crustaceans and fish. A clean piece of PVC piping can also provide piranhas a place to hide if they feel stressed. If you are careful and fast, the little creature will not bite you. You also want to ensure that pets or small children don’t fall in the tank. It depends. 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. They only come in this small once a year and then the price will rocket back up. With Red-Bellied Piranha, the difference stems from their belly regions. 0 0. A pair will, therefore, be comfortable in a 60-gallon tank. But yeah for real right now is the best time to buy caribe if you're dead serious about them. Tank should be planted with lots of cover, becouse piranhas do not like bright tanks. You shouldn’t put the tank anywhere it may get direct sunlight or be exposed to radiators or heating devices. 27 August 2019. It is not uncommon for piranhas to breed in captivity. The Red-bellied Piranha is considered by some to be the best choice for aquarists, as it is less aggressive than other species. Piranhas Breeding Level – Intermediate. They are the most famous, probably because they are said to be the most aggressive. Will it cost more if you have more piranhas? 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. How many piranhas can I put in a 5 gallon tank? Temperature : 73°F - 82°F (23°C - 28°C) Water Hardness : … Your tank should measure at least 60 x 24 x 24 inches (150 x 60 x 60 cm). Write a schedule for yourself to clean the water at the same time each week so that you don’t forget. The pH should be around 6.6. Fix any problems with the water. Red-bellied piranhas are red on their undersides from chin and cheeks to belly. Guppies and minnows can be served live no problem, but for sardines and larger fish, it's best to cut them up with scissors before feeding them to your piranha. Can they live in a ten or twenty gallon tank? This article has been viewed 116,387 times. Check your local petstore. The red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) and the redeye or black piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus) may attack on rare occasions if there is presence of blood or excessive movement in the water. Consider putting the tank in a space with low light. Net or siphon out uneaten food immediately. Avoid limestone, marble, dolomite, calcareous sandstones, chalky rocks as well as corals and sea shells. This website gave me a lot of useful info on how to take care. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Piranhas - Red Bellied Piranha. Red Bellied Piranha. The head and body are various shades of gray; their sides are flecked with bright silver scales. We have various types of pacu fishes available for sale. Be aware that Piranhas may destroy live plants. can any one tell me what i need. Due to color variations and similar fish as far south as Argentina, this species is also known as the Gold Dust Piranha, the Ternetzi and the Yellow King Emperor Piranha. Buy a tank that corresponds with the number of piranhas you’ll have. Only when they are adults is there a distinct red belly to these Piranha. if you have a 20 to 25 gallon, only get one. They are very aggressive fish and cannot be kept in a community tank. References These semi-aggressive fish are great for a species only tank that will really catch people's eye. Some places have laws that make it illegal to keep piranhas, so be careful and check the local laws before purchasing one. Special Care . When adults they will need a lot of feeding. 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. 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. The Red Belly Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereriRed) has been available within the aquarium hobby trade for decades. You can use live or plastic plants or a combination. In the aquarium, RBs generally won’t go beyond 10 - 11 inches (25 - 28cm). wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Does it make them happier? Research source A piranha is a member of a family of omnivorous and predatory freshwater fish which live in South American rivers. (Required), Tags: Amazon River, Amazonia, animal, Belly, Care, caribes, fish, National Zoo, pirahna, Piranha Fish, Piranhas, Pygocentrus nattereri, rainforest, red, red belly piranha, red pirahna, red pirahnas, Red-bellied Piranha, Smithsonian, South American, tank, Wildlife, The 2019 New York International Auto Show. Avoid giving piranhas dry market feed, flakes or granules. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 116,387 times. It's best to get at least a 30+ gallon tank for one. 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. Occasionally feed them green vegetables such as raw zucchini, spinach, or potato. Not 2 not 3. 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. X The red-bellied piranha can reach a size of 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) in length. An attractive quality for prospective Piranha owners apparently. The piranhas you see for sale in pet stores are usually juveniles. I was sarcastically thinking the same thing Blue, right on. If they get to know you, you should be fine. They are related distant cousins if you like. Coloration. These fishes grow quickly and reach 12-14 inches if taken care properly. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. 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