piranha
Red Bellied Piranha

Pygocentrus nattereri

Physical features: Rounded body with silver gray scales and a red underbelly. Known for their rows of small sharp teeth.

Habitat: Amazon River Basin. Found in the river proper and in flooded forest environment. Prefers vegetation.

Diet: Fish and aquatic invertebrates.

Fun facts: Piranha have earned a reputation as a ferocious fish. This stems from reports of Piranha hunting larger prey if trapped in the receded waters of the Amazon River and starving. This behavior is not typical.

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