San Francisco piranha - Pygocentrus piraya
Scientific name: Pygocentrus piraya
Common name: San Francisco piranha
Usual size in fish tanks: 30 - 35 cm (11.81 - 13.78 inch)
Recommended pH range for the species: 6.3 - 7.2
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 6 - 16°N (107.14 - 285.71ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 80.6°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Food and feeding
Will accept most foods, they will take quality flake and pellets but also require protein foods like shrimps, earth worms, mussels and squid.
South America, this species can only be found in the Rio Sao Francisco, Brazil.
There are no visible differences between the sexes.
There are no reported cases of San Francisco piranhas breeding in the aquarium.
It has been known for some fish from this species to live for 20 years but the average life span in the aquarium is 10 years.
When mature, it is advised to keep a solitary specimen in the tank as Pygocentrus piraya can be cannibalistic to each other. They can be kept as groups as juveniles but no longer than that. They are high waste producers and need large tanks to be happy. Regular large water changes are required along with excellent filtration. Always remember that these fish may seem timid but can inflict painful bites
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.