South American Animals – Piranha
Red Piranha
This south american animal lives in most rivers below the Equator. Its got VERY sharp teeth and a large appetite for meat!
There are many species of this fish — so many, in fact, that biologists aren’t exactly sure how diverse they are. Typically about 15 to 25 centimeters in length, each piranha is small but sports blade-like, tightly packed teeth.
Not to fear, though. The reputation of this south american animal far exceeds its actual danger. They are more or less like normal fish with very large choppers! They tend to swim in schools for protection from their predators. The myths about this south american animal consuming humans and cattle in swarming attacks — in mere seconds — are only myths.
The “red piranha” is the species that seems to get most of the bad press, apparently for its menacing look and aggressive behaviours.
This aggression, though is mainly with each other. They have been known to not let weaker fish among their groups survive. If they aren’t fed enough, they will actually start to attack and feed on each other! They do occasionally injure swimmers in lakes and rivers in South America, but its usually just a single bite — often a mistake by the fish — that harms the person.
So don’t let this South American animal distract you from a great vacation South of the Equator!