Quick answer
Red-bellied Piranhas (Pygocentrus nattereri) are fishs found across South America. The sharp-toothed fish of the Amazon. Adults typically weigh roughly 1.5 kg (3 lb), reach speeds of Fast in short bursts, and live About 10 years. They feed on omnivore (mostly carnivorous) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Rivers, streams, and floodplains of the Amazon basin and other river systems of tropical South America.
Key takeaway
Red-bellied Piranhas (Pygocentrus nattereri) are fishs found across South America. The sharp-toothed fish of the Amazon. Adults typically weigh roughly 1.5 kg (3 lb), reach speeds of Fast in short bursts, and live About 10 years. They feed on omnivore (mostly carnivorous) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Rivers, streams, and floodplains of the Amazon basin and other river systems of tropical South America.
Red-bellied Piranha overview
Red-bellied Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) is a fish listed here as Least Concern. Typical weight about 1.5 kg; lifespan around About 10 years.
Red-bellied Piranha ecology
Diet: Omnivore (mostly carnivorous). Habitat: Amazon rivers, streams, and floodplains. Movement and social systems reflect those pressures across the native range.
Red-bellied Piranhas and people
Learn before you travel or keep related pets. Wild red-bellied piranhas are not toys; captive care needs species-specific husbandry.
Status and further reading
Conservation label in our guides: Least Concern. See the full Red-bellied Piranha profile for taxonomy, FAQs, and related topic guides on this site.
Range and habitat
Red-bellied Piranhas inhabit Rivers, streams, and floodplains of the Amazon basin and other river systems of tropical South America. Their preferred habitat includes amazon rivers, streams, and floodplains, where they find food, shelter, and breeding sites. Population density varies with prey availability, water access, and human disturbance. Protected areas and intact corridors remain essential for long-term persist
Physical characteristics and behaviour
Adult red-bellied piranhas typically measure about 0.33 m in length and weigh roughly 1.5 kg (3 lb). They can sprint at Fast in short bursts when hunting or escaping predators. Red-bellied Piranhas are known for the sharp-toothed fish of the amazon — social structure, daily activity, and seasonal movements all reflect pressures in their native environment.
Sources
Red-bellied Piranha FAQs
What are key facts about red-bellied piranhas?
Red-bellied Piranhas (Pygocentrus nattereri) are fishs found across South America. The sharp-toothed fish of the Amazon. Adults typically weigh roughly 1.5 kg (3 lb), reach speeds of Fast in short bursts, and live About 10 years. They feed on omnivore (mostly carnivorous) and are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Rivers, streams, and floodplains of the Amazon basin and other river systems of tropical South America.
What is the scientific name of the red-bellied piranha?
Pygocentrus nattereri — used in research and conservation listings for red-bellied piranhas.
What do red-bellied piranhas eat?
Red-bellied Piranhas eat mostly carnivorous, with seasonal and regional variation in Amazon rivers, streams, and floodplains.
Where do red-bellied piranhas live?
They are associated with Amazon rivers, streams, and floodplains. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of red-bellied piranhas?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.