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Common piranha in Latin is called Pygocentrus nattereri. This fish is also called red piranha. Aquarists have been addicted to them for quite some time. Therefore, it can be said that the red piranha has its own history in this aspect. This species is most common among other piranhas. A lot of them float in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.
When a fish grows up, it looks very attractive. On her back is a steel color, the rest of the body is silver. And the throat and belly has a red color. The anal fin has the same color of fish. Among all the piranhas, it is one of the largest representatives. In nature, it can grow up to 33 cm, but with an aquarium content, they are smaller.
In nature, they gather in flocks of about 20 individuals. This allows them to hunt more effectively, and not be attacked by larger predators. The red-bellied piranha is the most ferocious of all.
In food, it is unpretentious, can live in various conditions. But to start it in his aquarium should be those who have some experience in this matter. If not careful, she can bite hard. In addition, their content must maintain good water quality.
Since this fish is a ferocious predator, it is advisable not to share anyone with it. You can put one fish in the aquarium, but they will feel better in the flock. And here it is important to note that even within the group they can show aggression. Often there are cases of cannibalism. The pack is run by the biggest piranha. She is the first to start eating. If a piranha disputes her leadership, a fight can begin. Often they hurt each other. They can only neighbor with their own kind. For example, with such large representatives as black paku, and then - only in adolescence.
If you want to contain only one piranha, you can get by with an aquarium volume of 150 liters. But for the flocks of piranhas need more volume. It is very important that the filter be very powerful. Piranhas eat a lot, after them there is a lot of waste.
Habitat in nature
You can meet her throughout South America. There are many in countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia. A huge number of piranhas in the Amazon, Parana and many other rivers.
They live in small streams. They can also be found in a pond or lake. They gather in flocks to hunt more effectively. A flock consists of 20-30 individuals. In general, piranha eats everything that is suitable for this. This fish and plants.
Description
In nature, it can have a length of about 32 cm. With the aquarium content, these fish are much smaller. On average, they live 10 years. But there were cases when the representatives of the species lived much longer.
Their bodies are powerful, flattened from the sides. Learn this fish can be a powerful jaw and tail.
Adults have a very beautiful color. Color may vary slightly. Most of the piranhas have steel color. The sides are cast in silver. The anal fin of this fish is red in color.Juveniles are not so bright, they are pale silver.
Content issues
This fish eats almost everything. When the content in the aquarium special problems arise. But before you start it, it is better to practice on the fish easier. It is important to remember that piranha is a fairly large predator. Even when servicing the aquarium should be especially careful. Replanting fish, you can get a serious injury.
Feeding
In nature, these fish eat absolutely any food. They eat everything they catch. This fish, and a variety of mollusks, and even amphibians. They can eat and plant food - seeds, fruits. If they gather in a large flock, they even attack large prey. Because of this, they have earned the reputation of cruel predators. But in nature, they often feed on carrion, catch insects. They can show particular aggressiveness during a drought, when food becomes difficult to obtain. Gathering in flocks, they are very aggressively protected from attack.
The main food of piranhas is proteinaceous. They can be given fish, frozen seafood, worms, they can eat and a mouse. But meat representatives of the species should not be fed. This will cause obesity.It is important that the water is thoroughly cleaned, as the piranhas leave a lot of food residue.
Compatibility
Experts argue a lot about whether any other fish can be hooked to the piranha. Some argue that this should not be done categorically. Others give them even small fishes that successfully live there. It all depends on the conditions. What is important is the volume of the aquarium, the amount of algae, the number and nature of the fish. You can add large fish to them, for example, a singing catfish or a black pacu.
If there is a great desire to add some fish to the piranha, then you can try. They may not touch them at all, or they may dine at once with them.
Recommendations on the content
If you plan to contain no more than one piranha, then you must purchase an aquarium in 150 liters. If you want them to live in a flock, then you need to buy at least 4 piranhas. For this you need an aquarium in 300 liters. The bigger it is, the better the fish will feel. It is important to provide them with places in which they can hide. Strange, but they are different timidity. The best shelter for them will be snags and caves.
It is necessary to change the water, use a filter, monitor the nitrate content to ensure maximum water purity.
Protein food, the remains of which remain after each feeding of these fish, quickly deteriorates. This leads to the fact that water is polluted at high speed. The filter requires more frequent cleaning than when keeping any other fish.
The most interesting thing in the content of the fish of this species is to observe them. When you study them, you stop worrying about them. Any emerging problems you can identify in time.
Sex differences
Breeding
It is important that the aquarium be in a peaceful place where no one will disturb the piranha. In order for the fish to be compatible with each other, it is necessary that they belong to the formed school. It is necessary that the water was clean and warm. The couple should have a lot of space so that they can mark their territory.
First, the couple picks up a place, jealously guards it.They acquire a darker color, begin to build a nest. The female lays caviar. The male fertilizes her and begins to protect.
Caviar has orange color. Begiving starts after a few days. Two days later, the fry begin to emerge, which need to be deposited. Fry grow very intensively and immediately begin to eat a lot.
Video: Red Bellied Piranha
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