Species learning profile
Black piranha
Serrasalmus rhombeus
Black piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus) is a freshwater fish associated with river habitat in South America. A deep red eye and robust jaw distinguish large adults.
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At a glance
- المياه
- مياه عذبة
- Habitat
- نهر
- أقصى طول
- 42 cm
- النطاق
- أمريكا الجنوبية
- الفصيلة
- Serrasalmidae
- الرتبة
- Characiformes
Observe
How to identify Black piranha
- A deep red eye and robust jaw distinguish large adults.
- Guide context: river habitat in South America.
- Reported maximum length: 42 cm — up to about the length of a guitar. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with river habitat across South America. Flow, seasonal floods, connected side channels, and access to spawning reaches all shape its river habitat.
Behavior
Usually hunts alone rather than in large schools
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Fish, fins, crustaceans, and carrion.
Ecological role
Predator and scavenger in tropical rivers.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
قد يصل طول Black piranha إلى نحو 42 سم، ويوجد غالبًا قرب نهر.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
River fish depend on connected water. Dams, blocked migrations, pollution, and altered flow can matter even when the channel still looks wet.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with Black piranha in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections