Freshwater
Red-bellied Piranha
Pygocentrus nattereri
Hebrew name: פיראנה אדומת בטן
- Peak season
- Dry season (July-October, when concentrated)
- Length range
- 10–35 cm
- Weight range
- 0.1–2 kg
- Typical depth
- 0–10 m
Habitat
Rivers, floodplain lakes, and flooded forests of the Amazon and Parana basins. Schools in large numbers.
Behavior
Aggressive schooling predator with razor-sharp teeth. Feeds on fish, insects, and carrion. Most dangerous when water levels drop.
Best techniques
- Cut bait on wire leader
- Small spinners on wire trace
- Chunk bait drifted near schools
- Small hooks with raw meat
