1. Scavenging: Pirhanas are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever food is readily available. They often scavenge on dead or dying animals that fall into the water, including fish, birds, and mammals. They may also feed on carrion, such as dead fish or animals that have been killed by predators.
2. Hunting: Piranhas also actively hunt for live prey, such as small fish, insects, crustaceans, and even other piranhas. They typically hunt in groups, using their numbers to overwhelm and capture their prey. Piranhas have excellent eyesight and a strong sense of smell, which they use to locate their prey.
3. Biting: Piranhas have powerful jaws and sharp teeth, which they use to bite and tear their prey. Their teeth are arranged in a scissor-like fashion, allowing them to cut through flesh and bone. Piranhas often form a "feeding frenzy" when they attack prey, where multiple piranhas will swarm and attack the victim together.
4. Piranha Bites: Piranha bites can cause serious injuries and even death in some cases. Their teeth are designed to rip and tear, and they can inflict deep wounds that require medical attention. Additionally, piranhas may attack in large numbers, which can overwhelm and incapacitate their prey.
It's important to note that piranhas are often portrayed as overly aggressive and dangerous, but they typically only attack when they perceive a threat or when there is an abundance of food. In general, piranhas are not inherently aggressive toward humans but may attack if they feel threatened or if someone enters their territory.