Piaractus brachypomus (Cuvier, 1818)
Pirapitinga
Piaractus brachypomus
photo by Jinkings, K.

Family:  Serrasalmidae (Piranhas and pacus), subfamily: Colossomatinae
Max. size:  88 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 25 kg; max. reported age: 28 years
Environment:  pelagic; freshwater; pH range: 4.80000019073486 - 6.80000019073486; dH range: 15
Distribution:  South America: Amazon and Orinoco River basins (Ref. 39031). Reported from Argentina (Ref. 9086).
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Juveniles mimic Serrasalmus nattereri. Feeds on insects and decaying plants (Ref. 32894). Possesses powerful dentition that can cause serious bites (Ref. 4537). An important foodfish (Ref. 12202).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 21 December 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  traumatogenic


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