How to Identify Red-bellied Piranha

To identify Red-bellied Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Adults typically exhibit a silvery-gray body with a distinct reddish-orange to deep red coloration on the belly and throat, extending to the anal fin. The dorsal side can be darker, sometimes with iridescent flecks. Juveniles are often more silvery with black spots, which fade with age.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Robust, laterally compressed body, Deep, powerful lower jaw with interlocking, razor-sharp, triangular teeth, Prominent red coloration on the ventral side (in adults), Large, dark eye, Strong caudal peduncle

Dorsal fin

Single, relatively short-based dorsal fin, typically with 16-18 rays.

Tail fin

Forked caudal fin, often with a darker margin.

Pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are relatively small and rounded.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin is elongated and often reddish. Adipose fin is present, small, and located between the dorsal and caudal fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Coloration

   Look for the characteristic silvery-gray body with a prominent reddish-orange to deep red belly and throat in adult specimens. Juveniles are more silvery with black spots.

2. 2

   Teeth

   Observe the distinctive, interlocking, razor-sharp, triangular teeth in both jaws. These are a key identifying feature of Pygocentrus species.

3. 3

   Body Shape

   Note the robust, deep, and laterally compressed body shape, typical of piranhas.

4. 4

   Eye Size

   Pygocentrus nattereri has a relatively large, dark eye compared to some other piranha species.

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