How to Take Care of a Red-bellied Piranha

The red-bellied piranha (Serrasalmus nattereri) is an aggressive fish that is native to the Amazon river. These fish can be kept in an aquarium with other piranha but will eat and attack other types of fish when they are placed in the same tank together. They have strong jaws and sharp teeth that tear flesh. Extreme care should be given when keeping them as pets. They can grow up to 12 inches long and prefer to live in slightly acidic waters.

Things You'll Need

  • Fish tank
  • Water pH strips
  • Peat
  • Wood
  • Mechanical filter
  • Fresh meat
  • Heater
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep five or more of the red belly piranha in the same tank. They prefer to live in a school.

    • 2

      Provide a approximately 20 gallons of water per fish. Five piranha need a 100 gallon tank for best health.

    • 3

      Test the water pH using pH test strips. Piranha prefer a pH slightly below 7.0. Place a piece of peat into your filter or add a piece of driftwood.

    • 4

      Place rocks, logs and aquatic plants inside the tank to provide hiding places for your piranha.

    • 5

      Install a mechanical filtration system in your tank that will handle twice the water in your tank. Use a 200 gallon filtration system for a 100 gallon tank.

    • 6

      Feed your piranha every two to three days with fresh or frozen meat. Place lean fish, chicken and beef hearts into the tank. Cut into bite size pieces to avoid the fish fighting over larger pieces. Add no more to the tank than what the fish will consume in a few minutes, or 3 to 4 pieces of meat per fish.

    • 7

      Place an aquarium heater into your tank to maintain a temperature of 80 degrees F.

    • 8

      Install a cover on your fish tank for safety. Never stick your hands or fingers into the tank with your piranha.