Fin's Fish Guide
The Pirambeba (Serrasalmus humeralis) is a freshwater fish of the family Serrasalmidae that grows up to 20 cm.
Fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America, in slow-moving to flowing water of rivers and floodplains.
Description
The pirambeba is a deep, silvery piranha of the family Serrasalmidae reaching about 20 cm. The strongly compressed body has an adipose fin (as in many characins), a sharp, saw-toothed belly keel and a lower jaw with a mouth full of sharp, triangular, interlocking teeth. The species comes from the Amazon basin in South America and lives in slow to flowing water of rivers and floodplains. It eats fish and sometimes clips fins and scales off other fish, supplemented with insects and carrion. In the rainy season it spawns among flooded plants. Because of its sharp teeth a caught animal must be handled with care; it is eaten locally.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Pirambeba?
The Pirambeba has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Deep-bodied, silvery piranha with an adipose fin, a serrated ventral keel and a mouth full of sharp, triangular teeth.
Where does the Pirambeba live?
The Pirambeba lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Fresh water of the Amazon basin in South America, in slow-moving to flowing water of rivers and floodplains.
How big does the Pirambeba get?
The Pirambeba grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.
Is the Pirambeba dangerous to humans?
The Pirambeba can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A predatory fish with sharp teeth that can bite fiercely when handled; keep fingers away from the mouth and unhook with tools.
Is the Pirambeba edible?
Yes, the Pirambeba is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Serrasalmus
More from the family Serrasalmidae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Pirambeba is one of 12,519 species in the app.