Piranha, red Pygocentrus nattereri

CHARACIDAE FAMILY
Also called piranha-caju, carube bica de locha, palometa, prianha vermelha, pana

The red piranha, hails from South America; the Amazon Basin, Paraguay Parana Basin, Northeast Brazilian coastal rivers, Essequibo Basin. It also has been introduced to reservoirs. It is common in creeks and interconnected ponds in Matto Grosso, Brazil and in Rio Machado and Rio Negro. Red piranha swim in large schools, making this carnivorous species a formidable hunting group. The large schools can be a nuisance to sport fishermen, requiring them to make a move or catch only piranha.

The stocky body is oval in shape with a blunt head, protruding lower jaw and single rows of very sharp, triangular teeth in each jaw. Teeth are replaced on alternating sides of the jaw, allowing continuous feeding. With its brilliant red belly, the red piranha is the considered to be the most beautiful of the piranha species.

This extremely aggressive species is relatively easily caught on natural or artificial baits. It will enthusiastically attack plugs as large or larger than itself. Red piranha reportedly grow to 13 in (33 cm) and 9 lb (4 kg). Even small fish should be handled with respect. Piranhas tend to snap their jaws defensively and careless handling can result in serious injury.

All piranha are considered good table fare. In some regions they are highly sought as food