Red Ruby Piranha
(Serrasalmus maculatus)

South America: Amazon and Paraguay-Paraná River basins.

Max length: 35 cm TL (female); max. published weight: 420 g

Dorsal soft rays (total): 16; Anal soft rays: 33 - 35; Vertebrae: 36

Occurs usually in small groups of up to 20 individuals which appear to have a definite range within a pond or a creek. Observed to be active mainly during the day. Larger fish extend their foraging until about 9 at night. where it stays in the shallows near the bottom, sheltered among vegetation.

Adults may scavenge on dead mammals, including humans. Attacks on humans with bite outbreaks may occur in dammed portions of rivers during the breeding season, related to brood protection by the spawning adults.