How to See a Wild Piranha
Piranhas make up more than 30 species, a vast majority of which pose no danger to humans. All belong to the family Characidae and order Characiformes; tthose in the genera Pygopristis and Pristobrycon mostly feed on plants. Carnivorous species belong to the Pygocentus and Serrasalmus genera, with the most fierce and aggressive, the red-bellied piranha (Pygocentus nattereri).
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Instructions
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Locate piranhas in most tropical river systems east of the Andes in South America. At least 20 of the 30 or more species inhabit the Amazon River.
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Identify piranhas as flat, oval-shaped fish, measuring anywhere from 10 to 24 inches long. They typically are dull, grayish brown and blend easily into murky river water. Most of the carnivorous species have thick skulls, blunt heads and large eyes.
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Note their razor-sharp teeth, which mesh together like garden shears. They have extremely powerful jaw muscles that open and close rapidly. Their teeth can easily strip flesh from prey. Native South Americans make tools and weapons from piranha teeth.
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Notice their feeding habits. Adult carnivorous piranhas sometimes hunt in schools of 20 or so fish, eating live fish, frogs, snakes, lizards and other piranhas. They also scavenge dead or dying large animals, especially during dry seasons with low water levels. Most piranha species, however, feed on plants, fruit or nuts that fall into the river water.
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Keep in mind that locals also eat piranhas, despite the numerous bones. For poor communities, piranhas can provide a main source of protein.
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Tips & Warnings
Life-threatening or fierce attacks by piranhas on live, active large animals or humans are extremely rare. In fact, there are no documented occurrences of human fatalities due to piranha attacks.
Electric eels, caimans or stingrays found in the waters shared by piranhas pose more of a threat to humans.
In the U.S., it's illegal in at least 20 states to keep piranhas as pets, as some people let them into the wild, and piranhas threaten local fish populations.
Use caution when entering waters or fishing where piranhas live. Although not fatal, one piranha bite can remove a finger, toe or a large enough piece of flesh to cause serious injury.
