kids encyclopedia robot

Sharp-snouted piranha facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Sharp-snouted piranha
SP A0154.jpg
Conservation status
Scientific classification edit
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Serrasalmidae
Genus: Serrasalmus
Species:
S. sanchezi
Binomial name
Serrasalmus sanchezi
Géry, 1964
Script error: The function "autoWithCaption" does not exist.

Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters".

The sharp-snouted piranha (Serrasalmus sanchezi) is a type of piranha that lives only in Peru. When a species is found only in one place, it is called endemic. This fish is part of a group of piranhas known as the S. rhombeus complex.

These piranhas can grow to be about 7 inches (18 cm) long. Many sharp-snouted piranhas have a bright red throat. This red throat looks similar to the one found on the famous red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri). The sharp-snouted piranha is also known by other names, like the ruby-throated diamond piranha or the "ruby-red piranha". However, the name "ruby-red piranha" is sometimes also used for another fish, the speckled piranha (S. spilopleura).

Keeping Sharp-Snouted Piranhas

Sharp-snouted piranhas are known to be quite aggressive. They often nip at the fins of other fish. Because of this, it is usually best to keep them alone in an aquarium.

Some people have tried keeping these fish in small groups. However, this has only worked a few times. If you want to keep one of these piranhas, it needs a tank that is at least 30 inches long and 12 inches wide. This gives the fish enough space to swim and feel comfortable.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Serrasalmus sanchezi para niños

Black History Month on Kiddle
Renowned African-American Artists:
Selma Burke
Pauline Powell Burns
Frederick J. Brown
Robert Blackburn
kids search engine
Sharp-snouted piranha Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.