All Animals

Animal Guide

Red Piranha

41 destinations · 26 states

Native Range
Northern and central South America, especially the Amazon and Orinoco river basins

The red piranha is much more than the toothy fish often portrayed in movies. At an aquarium, its compact body, silvery scales, and reddish-orange belly are easy to spot, but the real fun comes from watching how the group moves. Several fish may hover almost motionless before suddenly shifting together as they investigate food or changes around them. Their sharp teeth are designed for cutting, and red piranhas eat a varied diet that can include fish, insects, crustaceans, fruit, and other plant material. Look closely during feeding and you may notice how quickly one fish reacts when food appears, followed by a ripple of movement through the group. Piranhas also communicate through body movements and sounds, and they can form groups that provide safety while they search for food. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving rivers, floodplain lakes, and flooded forests across tropical South America.

Red Piranha

Where to see Red Piranha

41 destinations across 26 states

41 destinations

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