Fin's Fish Guide
The Serrate piranha (Serrasalmus serrulatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Serrasalmidae that grows up to 19 cm.
Description
The Serrate piranha is a piranha (Serrasalmidae) from fresh water of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with a powerful lower jaw full of sharp, triangular teeth. The silvery body bears fine dark speckles and a serrated belly edge. It hunts and scavenges in shoals on fish, insects and pieces of flesh. When handled carelessly or cornered it can give a fierce, slicing bite; handle caught animals with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Serrate piranha?
The Serrate piranha has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly silver-grey. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Serrate piranha live?
The Serrate piranha lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil, Peru
How big does the Serrate piranha get?
The Serrate piranha grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.
Is the Serrate piranha dangerous to humans?
The Serrate piranha can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A piranha bite causes a deep, sharply edged cut. Rinse the wound with clean water, apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. For a deep or extensive wound seek medical care, have it sutured if needed, update tetanus protection and watch for signs of infection.
Want the complete picture on the Serrate piranha?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Serrate piranha is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Serrasalmus
More from the family Serrasalmidae
Want the complete picture on the Serrate piranha?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Serrate piranha is one of 12,519 species in the app.