Hard-bellied Mylossoma

Mylossoma duriventre is the most widely distributed Mylossoma species, found throughout tropical South America from Venezuela to the Paraná. Its common name refers to the hardened ventral scutes that form a serrated keel along the belly — a characteristic shared with other serrasalmids.

In aquaria, M. duriventre is hardy, adaptable, and entirely peaceful. It thrives in large schools and serves as an excellent dither fish for timid large cichlids. Its omnivorous diet is easy to satisfy and it is one of the least demanding members of the Serrasalmidae for general maintenance.

Not subject to piranha restrictions in most regions.