The Piranha Fish (also known as the ‘caribe’ in Venezuela) is a ferocious, schooling, fresh-water fish.

CHARACTERISTICS Piranhas range in color from yellow to steel-grey to bluish to partly red to almost black. Piranhas are normally about 15 to 25 centimetres long 

DIET Piranhas are opportunistic carnivores (flesh-eaters). They eat aquatic and land animals that are in the water. Some of their prey includes fish, mollusks, crustaceans, insects, birds, lizards, amphibians, rodents and carrion 

HABITAT Piranhas are typically found in white-water streams. Piranha Fish are important components of their native environments. 

BEHAVIOUR The piranha fish is commonly portrayed and known as a vicious species of fish hunting in large schools.

PREDATORS Many animals prey upon piranhas (especially young piranhas), including other piranhas, caimans, water snakes, turtles, birds, otters and people.

REPRODUCTION Piranhas reproduce by laying groups of eggs in rivers and lakes.

CONSERVATION STATUS Piranhas have no special status on the IUCN Endangered Species Red list.

Piranha fish are commonly consumed by fishermen and frequently sold for food in local markets.

piranhas are a considerable nuisance to commercial and sport fishers because they steal bait, mutilate catch, damage nets and other gear and may bite when handled.