Serrasalmus

S. altuvei is very scarce in the hobby, most commonly being found among imports of juvenile S. rhombeus (the type species of the genus). It's also known as the "Caribe azul" or "blue caribe" in the trade. There are currently 24 described species of Serrasalmus, many of which look superficially similar. This one is considered a member of the "compressed group". This grouping of morphologically similar species currently comprises S. altuvei, S. geryi, S. compress...

A number of sources state that S. brandtii can be identified by the relatively anterior position of the anal-fin origin beneath the first few dorsal-fin rays. However, images of specimens collected from the rio São Francisco, where it is the only member of the genus present, suggest that this is not always the case and this is also supported by the figure from Eigenmann (1915). No recent diagnosis of the species is available.

S. elongatus is known as "Caribe Pinche" in its native countries and is a rare find in the trade, tending to be quite expensive as a result. Individuals seem to vary in personality. While some are particularly fearless and will actively chase and attempt to bite hands or fingers placed in or up against the aquarium, others will always appear to be shy and nervous. The streamlined body form that gives rise to the species name is unique among serrasalmids, and has probably developed as a...

S. geryi is sometimes sold as the "violet-line piranha" in reference to the unusal purple stripe that runs from the base of the lower jaw over the top of the body. It makes a stunning aquarium fish as it also possesses highly reflective scales, deep orange/red eyes and a compressed, high-bodied shape. Far from widespread in nature or the hobby, it tends to be pricey and highly sought-after when available. There are currently 24 described species of Serrasalmus, many of which look s...

This species occasionally appears in the ornamental trade where it is sometimes referred to as 'blue tiger piranha' Following Fink and Macaht can be distinguished from other members of the genus by the following combination of characters: body shape deep and rhomboid; head robust, snout blunt; eye large; mouth moderate, jaw projecting; 1-3 ontogeneticlly var...

S. maculatus is one of the better choices for aquarists new to this group of fishes. It grows to a manageable size, is relatively hardy, attractive and usually quite inexpensive. It's sometimes referred to by the alternative vernacular names "gold piranha" or "golden mac" in the hobby. There are in excess of 30 described species of Serrasalmus many of which appear superficially similar and have confusing taxonomic histories. S. maculatus and S. spilopleura have often ...

The native name for this species is Caribito Parguasero. It's sometimes sold as the "green tiger piranha" in the trade and is usually highly coveted and expensive when available. A notoriously sensitive traveller, mortality rates are sadly quite high among imported fish. The lack of fully-grown specimens known to the hobby is also a worry, and would suggest that the majority are not being maintained correctly. This really is a species for the specialist with the resources necessar...

There are currently 24 described species of Serrasalmus, many of which look superficially similar. S. marginatus has at various times been considered a synonym of S. rhombeus and S. humeralis, but is currently considered to be distinct. It's main distinguishing feature is usually given as the thick, black, v-shaped marking in the anterior portion of the caudal fin. Juveniles are said to differ from similar-looking species such as S. compressus and S. altuvei because the dark body "spot...

There are in excess of 30 described species of Serrasalmus many of which appear superficially similar and have confusing taxonomic histories. S. rhombeus is among the most convoluted of all with numerous synonyms of which S. niger is the most well-known. There has also been a muddle surrounding the common names "white" and "black" piranha, both of which have been used to describe the species. Of greater interest to both scientists and hobbyists has been the discovery of n...

There are currently 24 described species of Serrasalmus, many of which look superficially similar. S. sanchezi has frequently been confused with S. spilopleura in the past, and is sometimes still sold as "Spilo cf" or "Ruby-red Spilo". It actually appears to be more closely related to S. rhombeus or S. irritans than S. spilopleura. The characteristic red throat has also led to it being confused with S. medinai and even the red-bellied piranha Pygocentrus nattereri on occasion...

There are currently 24 described species of Serrasalmus, many of which look superficially similar. S. serrulatus occupies a particularly confusing taxonomic position and is very tricky to identify positively. According to scientific literature it is very close in appearance to several congeners, most notably S. eigenmanni, S. hollandi, S. humeralis and S. nalseni. The separation of these is largely based on geographical range and it's possible that some of them may turn out to be synonymous...