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The Serrasalmus nattereri or the red piranha is the piranha that is in most peoples minds when they think of piranhas. This piranha is also the one that is most often found in pet stores. The red piranha is grayish-brown in color with a red-orange color on its under belly and the dorsal area and dark dots on its side. This is one of the smaller of the piranhas , growing to about 10 1/2 inches(27cm) in length.This fish needs special care and is not a good fish for beginners.

The serrasalmus niger or black piranha is one of the most aggressive of the piranhas and is rarely found in pet stores. The black piranha is yellow-brown to black in color with golden reflections on the scales.The black piranha also has the characteristic blunt it also has a slight concavity in the profile above the eyes. This piranha grows to 14 inches or more,since there is very little information on the black piranha its maximum length varies. The serrasalmus niger is not normally found in pet stores but some will order the black piranha if you ask. This is not a good fish for beginners.

Serrasalmus Niger does not exist. The "black piranha" is actually a synonym of Serrasalmus rhombeus, therefore the old and darkened white piranha is what people mistakenly refer to as the "black" piranha. Also, certain specimens of Red piranhas have shown this blackened pigment as a result of their breeding colors. Piranha Hut will always notice and answer questions about the so called black piranha but this information is very important.

The serrasalmus piraya is probably the largest and most dangerous piranha. This species is found in Rio Sao Francisco in Brazil. Serrasalmus piraya can grow to 2 feet in length and they have 22 to 24 teeth along the ventral keel. This species is similar to the red piranha in its body shape , even having a somewhat similar colors but the piraya has well-developed rays in the adipose fin which is rare among fish with this fin. Piraya babies also lack the spots seen in the nattereri. This fish is rarely found in pet stores and due to the great danger this species should be cared for by professionals.

The serrasalmus rhombeus grows to be 12-14 inches which puts it near the top as far as large piranhas. This species can be found throughout the Amazon and the Orinico region. The rhombeus is silvery in color , a narrow head , and a flattened body. It has a black stripe that borders its tail fin and characteristic hump behind its head. Because of its small size , the rhombeus is suitable for home aquariums , but it has teeth and is still somewhat of a danger.

The serrasalmus ternetzi grows to a length of 10-12 inches and is a dangerous species. It's silver in color and can be found in the Rio Parana area of Brazil. The ternetzi is very blunt headed and has a shorter distance between the dorsal fin and the adipose fin than the natteri. Little is known about this species but studies are being conducted every day.

The serrasalmus hollandi has a shape much like the rhombeus. The hollandi grows to about 6 inches in length , its body is elongated , the head is narrow and it has a hump just behind the head. The hollandi is silver in color with some dark patches and some of the characteristic piranha spots on its body , its anal fin has a deep red color. Even at its smaller size , the hollandi is still one of the dangerous piranhas.

The pacu is the close relative of the red piranha. It is mostly a vegetarian but will eat meat if its food source runs low. The pacu grows to about 10 inches in length it is grayish-brown in color with a red-orange color on its under belly and the dorsal area and dark dots on its side.The pacu is a great substitute for those who cannot keep piranhas.

Piranha Species