The correct naming of piranha species is one of the most difficult chapters in fish systematics. Even the scientists specializing in this group of fish are by no means in agreement. And so we often have little choice but to identify a newly imported piranha according to the few external characteristics that are generally recognized, such as the black bands in the caudal and anal fins, the presence of a shoulder spot, etc.
Serrasalmus spilopleura is a rather round-headed piranha by Serrasalmus standards, which according to literature is distributed throughout the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Terra typica is Rio Guaporé, Bobota, Mato Grosso, Brazil. There is a possibility of confusion with S. maculatus, which was also synonymous with S. spilopleura for many years. S. maculatus from Paraguay has exactly the same caudal fin coloration as S. spilopleura from the Rio Tocantins, but S. maculatus always lacks the red gill cover area. It is often difficult to recognize atypically coloured specimens in individual cases.
Serrasalmus spilopleura is a beautiful piranha, certainly one of the most attractive species of the whole group. The exact origin of the animals currently imported by us is the Rio Guama (drainage of the Rio Tocantins). Serrasalmus species are considered to be specialized fin eaters. For this reason, individual keeping is generally recommended, as if you keep several specimens together, you will hardly ever see undamaged animals, even with heavy feeding. In the aquarium, these piranhas will eat all the usual coarse frozen foods, as well as earthworms, food fish (frozen smelts are very suitable as a basic food) etc. They can be expected to reach a length of 20-25 cm. The water values in terms of pH and hardness are insignificant, but good water hygiene should be ensured. The water temperature should be in the range of 24-28°C
For our customers: the fish have code 292823 (6-8 cm) and 292824 (8-10 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Serrasalmus: from Latin, roughly means “salmon with a saw”. Refers to the saw-like scales of the breast keel. spilopleura: ancient Greek, means “with spotted sides”. maculatus: Latin for spotted.
Suggestion of a popular name: glowing coal piranha
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
