Piranha in the Amazon 

For years, the Amazon has been associated with many things, one of those being the Piranha.  The legend is that a school of Piranha can completely devour an elephant in a matter of minutes.  This article will provide you with some facts about Piranha and dispel or support that rumor.  First, the official name is Pygocentrus nattereri, which comes from the South American Indian language known as Tupi Guarani. 

For hundreds of years, the Piranha has affected the lives of people living near the fresh water of South America.  In fact, just recently some scientists started to study the behavior of the Piranha, as they exist in the wild.  While some things are known, the fact remains that there is still a shroud of mystery surrounding this particular fish. 

Many fish exist in the Serrasalminae subfamily, which are called Piranha although the Red Belly Piranha is probably the most popular and best known.  In truth, reports of people in native habitats such as the Amazon being bitten are rare.  While the Piranha does have a ferocious appetite and will go into a feeding frenzy, the exaggerated stories are just that – exaggerated. 

All Piranhas like the Red Belly species have a very powerful bite and sharp teeth that could easily sever a toe or finger.  However, even with this, there are no confirmed deaths associated with a school attack.  Typically, the natives of the Amazon will go fishing for Piranha, using a simple stick, hook, and piece of meat, which Piranha love.  In all, there are 20 different Piranha species, most being vegetations.  In fact, the only one that is capable of stripping flesh from an animal quickly is the Red Belly. 

Another species of Piranha found in the Amazon is the White Piranha, which actually grows quite large.  While larger than the Red Belly species, this particular fish only hunts other fish and does not travel in large schools.  Therefore, even with its big size, it is actually a less dangerous fish.  In fact, people that fish for the White Piranha must use live fish because it will refuse to bite pieces of meat used as bait. 

The schools typically average 10 to 12 fish.  Somehow, the Piranha understands each other and share common interests, helping them communicate and understand each other’s movements and requirements.  The Piranha is actually very placid by nature.  The only time it displays aggression is when faced with enemies.  At this time, you would see an explosion of energy and activity. 

Just remember, the Piranha of the Amazon is not like sharks that will roam about looking for food.  Instead, this fish enjoys and even depends on things offered by their counterparts.  The Piranhas are definitely team players, known for helping each other survive but most importantly, they are co-inhabitants with people around the world.  Therefore, in the Amazon, they co-exist quite well with the people of that South American country.