That Fish Blog – Aquarium Advice and Information
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In Part 1 of this article I wrote about some of my experiences with Red-Bellied Piranhas in the wild, and examined some of the myths and realities surrounding their fearsome reputations.
Bird-Eating Piranhas
Piranhas living near wading bird rookeries (colonial nesting areas) are often more aggressive than those dwelling in other habitats. It seems that young birds frequently fall from their nests to the water below (the nests are usually located in trees growing in water), and Piranhas (and Spectacled Caiman) have learned to cash in. Red-Bellied Piranhas living near rookeries are said to be particularly aggressive and will hit just anything that lands on the water’s surface.
I spent several evenings watching a rookery in Venezuela’s western llanos region, thrilled by the near-unbelievable assemblage of Scarlet Ibis, Roseate Spoonbills, Jabiru Storks (please see photo) and other spectacular birds. Despite the crowded conditions, I did not see any chicks jostled from the nest to the predator-filled waters below. While monitoring Green Anaconda populations in the area, I came across the carcass of a 14-foot-long individual and took it to the rookery that evening. I tossed it in the water and, sure enough, an explosion of spray and Piranhas erupted. Unfortunately, I could not (or “would not”!) retrieve the carcass, but I have no doubt that it was skeletonized in short order.
Fishing and Collecting in Piranha Territory
Red-Bellied Piranhas are quite tasty and, at least in the dry season, easy to catch. I actually fished with a bare hook, and reeled in a fat specimen on nearly every cast.
Hauling a seine net in the fish and turtle packed waters the Red-Bellies inhabited was incredible – we came up with a host of interesting animals, including Elongate Piranhas, Serrasalmus elongatus, and Knifefishes (please see photos).
Another Fish with a Taste for Birds
The Piranhas I’ve kept in aquariums have varied in aggressiveness; actually, most paled in comparison to a Northern Snakehead that was under my care for years – this brute swallowed a Parakeet that escaped and landed in his tank!
Further Reading
Piranhas share their habitat with many other aggressive beasts – please check this article on my run-in with an ill-tempered Tegu.
Please see our series of articles on Piranha care and behavior-Piranha, Fish of Myth and Mystery.
Please write in with your questions and comments.
Thanks, until next time,
Frank Indiviglio
