Red-Bellied Piranha

Amazon · predators · freshwater fish

Scary sharp teeth. Red-bellied piranhas have interlocking teeth so sharp they can slice through scales and flesh. But despite their fearsome reputation from movies, they rarely attack large animals or humans.

Amazon river home. These fish live in freshwater rivers across South America, especially in the Amazon and Paraguay river systems. They thrive in warm, murky waters where they hunt in groups called shoals.

Team hunters. Red-bellied piranhas hunt together in schools, which makes them much more effective at catching prey than hunting alone. Working as a group helps them overwhelm bigger fish quickly.

Meat eaters. They're carnivores that feed on other fish, insects, and small animals they can catch. They use their speed and sharp teeth to snatch quick meals from the water.

Locally super common. In their native rivers, red-bellied piranhas are locally abundant, meaning there are lots of them in certain areas. This makes them one of the most successful fish species in their ecosystem.