Irritans Piranha

Serrasalmus irritans is distributed across headwater systems of the upper Orinoco in Venezuela and Colombia. It presents the classic deep-bodied Serrasalmus form with a pronounced predorsal hump, scattered dark spots, and a bright red iris that intensifies with age and conditioning.

As with all Serrasalmus, it is a solitary predator that requires individual housing and a diet based primarily on whole fish and crustaceans. Its headwater origin means it can tolerate a broad temperature range but favours softer, slightly acidic conditions. Importation is sporadic, making it an irregular but sought addition to specialist collections.

Always verify piranha ownership laws before purchasing.