How to Keep a Tropical Piranha

Piranhas have the reputation of being a blood-thirsty, man-eating species. However, these little fish have attracted the attention of aquarium enthusiasts who can see past the sharp teeth. Many people keep piranhas as pets because they are a very interesting fish to watch and learn about. They are a relatively hardy fish and are quite easy to care for if you do your research before purchasing one.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Rocks or sand
  • Plants
  • Water test kit
  • Thermometer
  • Filter
  • Heater
  • Food (frozen or live)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase the correct species of piranha for your tank. Red-bellied piranhas are the easiest type to take care of and are the most cost-friendly species. If you find a well-equipped pet shop, you might be able to get your hands on the maculatus piranha or spilopleura piranha. Choose a fish that is alert and seems healthy. Look at the fish's body to make sure it is not missing fins or looks ill.

    • 2

      Set up the piranha tank in a quiet area of your home to minimize stress on the fish. The tank must be large enough to accommodate the full-grown fish, which can grow up to 15 cm in length. Generally speaking, you will need about 20 gallons per adult fish.

    • 3

      Prepare the inside of the tank for the fish. Fill the bottom of the tank with gravel or fine sand and then add plants to help with the nitrogen cycle. Some piranhas will actually eat the plants, so they aren't just for decoration. Fill the tank with water and complete tests to make sure the pH levels are balanced and the level of nitrites in the tank is at a safe level.

    • 4

      Add rocks, plants and other objects to the tank to provide the fish with hiding spaces. Despite their mean reputation, piranhas are actually quite skittish and require hiding places so they don't become too stressed.

    • 5

      Fill the tank with water and install a filter in the tank. The filter will help with the nitrogen cycle and keep the nitrite levels in check -- high nitrate levels can be harmful to your piranhas.

    • 6

      Keep the tank's water temperature between 76 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Piranhas are tropical fish and need warmer temperatures. Use an aquarium thermometer and a heater to help you keep the tank at the proper temperature.

    • 7

      Maintain the tank after the piranha is introduced. It is recommended that you complete a partial water change (about 20 to 25 percent of the water) every week. This will ensure the piranha has a clean environment. You should also vacuum any uneaten food and plant debris from the bottom of the tank every week as well as complete routine water tests.

    • 8

      Offer the piranha a diet of frozen food such as shrimp, squid or insects. If you're feeding frozen food, there is no need to thaw the food as the warm water in the tank will do this for you. If you want to feed it live prey, feed it feeder fish designed for this purpose. Piranhas can be picky and it might take you awhile to find out what its favorite meal is. These fish like diversity and you should alternate food choices to keep your fish interested in eating.

    • 9

      Feed young piranhas several small meals throughout the day until they reach adult size. Then you can slowly decrease the feedings to once a day and eventually once every two to three days. As a general rule, feed the piranha as much food as it can eat within two minutes. Once you've had the fish for awhile, you will gain a better understanding as to how big their appetites are and can regulate your feedings accordingly. When they are done eating, remove any remnants from the bottom of the tank to prevent nitrite levels from rising when the food decomposes.