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Scientific Name:
Serrasalmus brandtii (Rheinhardt and Lütken et al. 1874) Common Names: Brandtii Piranha, Green Piranha. Range: This species is only found in Brasil: Rio São Francisco and some tributaries (like Rio Itapicurù). Maximum Size: About 30cm. (12"). Body Characteristics: Most S. brandtii are predominantly gold-coloured, although some specimen can be almost completely silver or have brownish tints. It has bright, iredescent scales on its flanks and a very concave head shape. Most fins are transluscent, and in the same colour as the body. The anal fin can be red, and the caudal fin is dark on the base. The eyes are silver. Distinctive/unique features: • Clear eyes. • Base of the dorsal and anal fin are at the same position (vertical line). |
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Aquarium:
Juveniles and sub-adults can be kept in a tank measuring 32x14". When they reach a size of 4-6", a 40" long and 18" deep tank is more suitable to provide enough space to move and turn freely. Adult fish need a tank of at least 48x18x18".
In a home aquarium, the Brandtii Piranha is considered to be a very aggressive species of piranha, that often will not shy away when it is approached by humans.
Temperature:
pH:
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Compatible Species:
None.
Because of its fin-nipping habit and extreme intolerance towards other tank mates, this species should be kept alone in a species tank. In some rare cases, a Pleco, Raphael Catfish or other heavily armed catfish worked out.
Diet:
Fish (fillets, frozen fish and live feeders *), shrimp, prawns, mussel, squid and other sea fruits, earth worms, meal worms and other insects, flakes, pellets, granules.
* Live fish need to be quarantained first, so they are safe to feed (containing no disases or parasites). Goldfish, minnows and other members of the Cyprinid family (Carp-like fish) should be avoided, as these fish contain growth-inhibiting hormones (Thiaminase/Vitamine B1 inhibitors) that could negatively affect the fish's health and development.
Comments:
S. Brandtii is only found in a geographically very limited range, which commercial traders visit rarely. Because of this, this species is a rare sight in home aquariums, and the prices for this fish are usually very high.
| Some pictures of Serrasalmus brandtii | |
 Photo by: Unknown |
 Photo by: Crashband www.predatoryfish.net |
