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Pygocentrus nattereri
Care guide, husbandry, breeding, disease, and sourcing intelligence on Red Belly Piranha - written by the Fast Aquatics editorial team.
Red Belly Piranha requires a minimum of 75 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on 12 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
The Red Belly Piranha is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 75 gallons. Adults reach about 12 inches and live 10-20 years. Red Belly Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) is a intermediate-care freshwater species that thrives in tanks of 75 gallons or larger with stable parameters. Best paired with peaceful tankmates of similar size and water-chemistry needs.
Red Belly Piranha reaches 12 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 10-20 years with proper care. The minimum is based on 12 inches adult size and territorial range. Plan a tank sized for adult footprint, HOB or canister filter rated 4-6x volume, dechlorinated water, appropriate temperature heater, and stocking-appropriate hardscape.
Red Belly Piranha is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Red Belly Piranha for 4 weeks before adding to display. Red Belly Piranha prefers freshwater parameters: temperature 74-80°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 4-12 dGH, KH 3-8 dKH, ammonia + nitrite 0 ppm, nitrate under 20 ppm. Use dechlorinator on every water change.
Other species in the same category with care profiles on Fast Aquatics. Click any name for the full husbandry breakdown.
Red Belly Piranha taxonomy and care recommendations cross-checked against the following authoritative references and our internal vendor + breeder database.
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