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Taxanomy
Taxanomy
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Actinopterygii
Family:
Serrasalmidae
Order:
Characiformes
Genus
Pygocentrus
Species
P.Nattereri
Evolution
Evolution
Sub-Species
Red-Bellied Piranha
Redeye Piranha
Serrasalmidae
Serrasalmus
Serrasalmus Elongatus
Pygocentrus
Pygocentrus Cariba
Pygocentrus Piraya
Tampaqui
How long has it existed?
Fossil evidence puts piranha ancestors in the continent's rivers 25 million years ago, but modern piranha genera may have only been around for 1.8 million years.
Closest living relative
Pacus is the closest living relative of Red-Bellied Piranhas.
3 Ancestors
Megapiranha paranesis
Pygocentrus nattereri
Description
Description
Key Characteristics of Red-Bellied Piranha
Key Characteristics of Red-Bellied Piranha
Red-bellied piranhas are red on their undersides from chin and cheeks to belly. The head and body are various shades of gray; their sides are flecked with bright silver scales. The piranha's distinctly rounded and snub-nosed profile serves a function.
Size
Size
A little over a foot long (30.5 centimeters)
Weight
Weight
Weigh up to 4 pounds (1.81 kilograms)
Life-Span
Life-Span
10 years or more
Difference Between Male and Female
Difference Between Male and Female
Females can be distinguished from males by the slightly deeper red color of their bellies.
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