Learn and Earn contest Entry: P= Piranha
https://animalcorner.co.uk/animals/piranha-fish/
The Piranha (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 Amazon basin, in the Orinoco River and east of the Andes Mountains. Piranha Fish have been introduced to other places, including Northern Brazil, Hawaii, parts of the Central and North America.
There are many species of piranha fish. Piranha Fish belong to the genera ‘Pygocentrus’ and ‘Serrasalmus’. Although Piranhas are omnivorous, they are known for their sharp teeth and an aggressive appetite for meat. The total number of piranha species is not known and new species continue to be described.
PIRANHA FISH CHARACTERISTICS
Piranhas range in colour from yellow to steel-grey to bluish to partly red to almost black. Piranhas are normally about 15 to 25 centimetres long (6 to 10 inches), although reported individuals have been found to be up to 41 centimetres (24 inches) in length. Piranhas have a bulldog-like face with a very large lower jaw and many razor-sharp teeth. The teeth are replaceable. When one is broken off, a new one grows in its place.
All piranhas have a single row of sharp teeth in both jaws. Their teeth are tightly packed and interlocking (via small cusps) and used for rapid puncture and shearing.
PIRANHA FISH DIET
Piranhas are opportunistic carnivores (flesh-eaters). They eat aquatic and land animals that are in the water. Some of their prey includes fish, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, birds, lizards, amphibians, rodents and carrion (carcasses). Piranhas are diurnal (most active during the day).
Piranhas generally eat smaller fish. Larger fish and small mammals may be attacked if there is a school of piranhas.
PIRANHA FISH HABITAT
Piranhas are typically found in white-water streams. Piranha Fish are important components of their native environments. Although largely restricted to lowland waters, these fishes are widespread and inhabit diverse habitats within both lotic (interactions within flowing continental waters) and lentic (interactions within still continental waters) environments. Some piranha species are abundant and multiple species often occur together.
PIRANHA FISH PREDATORS
Many animals prey upon piranhas (especially young piranhas), including other piranhas, caimans, water snakes, turtles, birds, otters and people.
PIRANHA FISH REPRODUCTION
Piranhas reproduce by laying groups of eggs in rivers and lakes.
The breeding environments of piranhas tend to be main bodies of water such as lagoons. Piranhas will change colour during spawning with the red belly Piranha fish getting more intense and the whole piranha becoming slightly lighter. The pair will defend their spawning territory and prepare a nest not unlike the breeding behaviour of birds. The female lays clusters of eggs into a bowl shaped nest created in the sediment. These are around 4 or 5 centimetres in depth and 15 centimetres in diameter. The eggs will then be fertilised by the male. The eggs hatch after two to three days, depending on the temperature of the water. The piranha fish parents protect both the eggs and their brood. Females are most fertile during the rainy season in April and May.
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