The red-bellied piranha, also known as the red piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Serrasalmidae, which includes the pacus, piranhas and related fishes. The red-bellied piranha occurs in South America, found in the Amazon, Paraguay, Paraná and Essequibo basins, as well as coastal rivers of northeastern Brazil. This fish is locally abundant in its freshwater habitat.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Redbelly Piranha being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Pygocentrus cariba
- Serrasalmus rhombeus
- Piaractus brachypomus
- Serrasalmus maculatus
- Colossoma macropomum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Characiformes
- Family
- Serrasalmidae
- Genus
- Pygocentrus
- Species
- Pygocentrus nattereri
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