Black Piranha (Serrasalmus niger, Serrasalmus Rhombeus)


Scientific Name(s): Serrasalmus niger, Serrasalmus Rhombeus

Common Name(s): Black Piranha

Origin: All throughout the Amazon River basin.

Family: Serrasalmidae

Species Type: Characins

Maximum Size: 16 inches (20+ inches in the wild)

Life Span: Unknown but from research I would assume 4-10 years.

Natural Habitat: South America, can be found wide spread throughout the Amazon River.

Diet: Carnivore, should be fed live meaty foods. Black Piranhas are typical cruising ambush predators. They will make swift and fast feeding passes at any small object that looks like food.

Temperature: 72-82 degrees

PH: 5.8-7.5

Minimum Tank Size: 100g (72x18x23)

Tank Region: All Over

Temperament: Highly aggressive, This species will pretty much attack anything in it's territory.

Possible Tank Mates: Because of their aggressive nature this species is better kept alone. A large pleco or snails may work out, but no guarantees. This species should not be kept in groups in captivity due to their aggressive nature.

Filtration and Setup: Heavy filtration is highly recommended, The tank should be decorated with large rocks as well as floating plants and bog wood is appreciated. Lots of open swimming space and dim lighting is recommended.

Coloration: The Black Piranha has a powerful body and large, razor-sharp triangular teeth. Juveniles are a more light color than adults, who's bodies and fins are a blackish gray. Males are more golden, with red in the belly, while females are more yellow. Once mature both males and females will have a red eye and look identical.

Breeding: In the wild Black Piranhas are substrate spawner's that build a nest among the vegetation and bottom detritus and deposit the eggs there. This species will get downright mean during this process and do just about anything to guard their nest. Any serious attempt of breeding Black Piranha should be done in a tank no less than 200 gallons in capacity. Sexing this species is unknown.