A piranha or piraña (/ p ɪ ˈ r ɑː n j ə ˌ-r æ n /, or / p ɪ ˈ r ɑː n ə /; Portuguese: [piˈɾɐ̃ɲɐ], Spanish:) is any of a number of freshwater fish species in the family Serrasalmidae, [1] or the subfamily Serrasalminae within the tetra family, Characidae [2] in order Characiformes.

Mar 21, 2025 · piranha, any of more than 60 species of razor-toothed carnivorous fish of South American rivers and lakes, with a somewhat exaggerated reputation for ferocity. In movies such as Piranha (1978), the piranha has been depicted as a ravenous indiscriminate killer.

Jul 8, 2014 · Here are 14 fun facts about the freshwater fish: 1. Piranhas’ bad reputation is at least partially Teddy Roosevelt’s fault. When Theodore Roosevelt journeyed to South America in 1913, he...

Sep 27, 2021 · Traditionally, fish belonging to the four generas of Pristobrycon, Pygocentrus, Pygopristis, and Serrasalmus are classified as real piranhas. Piranha Varieties for Fish Tanks. Here are 10 piranha species that you can keep as pets in your fish tank: 1. Red-Bellied Piranha (Pygocentrus Nattereri)

Enter the world of these small but feisty carnivorous fish and learn about the various types of piranha and their distinct characteristics.

May 6, 2019 · In short, Piranhas are very real. They are native to Latin America and live in the freshwater of the Amazon Basin. Piranhas are omnivorous in nature and possess razor sharp teeth with a powerful biting force.

Jun 18, 2024 · Take piranha fish, a toothy South American freshwater fish that has been the subject of not one, not two, but five Hollywood horror movies. Sure, they've got big teeth, but are piranhas really as ferocious as their reputation?

Aug 17, 2021 · After sharks, piranhas are one of the world’s most misunderstood fish. They're found in freshwater rivers, ponds, and streams throughout northern South America, and they have a reputation for...

Piranhas are freshwater fish native to South American rivers, streams, lakes, and floodplains. Scientists believe there may be anywhere between 40 and 60 different species. These fish are notorious for their dangerous swarming behavior. In reality, most of the time these fish are harmless to humans, and attacks result in minor injuries.

The Piranha Fish (also known as the ‘caribe’ in Venezuela) is a ferocious, schooling, fresh-water fish. It is native to warm rainforest lowland streams and lakes in South America – the Orinoco river basin in Venezuela , in the Orinoco River and east of the Andes Mountains, up to the Paraná River in Argentina .