White Piranha
- Aquarium size — from 400 L
- Temperature — 24–28°C
- pH — 6.0–7.5
- Water hardness — soft to medium (3–15 dGH)
- Substrate — sand or fine gravel
- Lighting — dim to moderate
- Brackish water — no
- Water movement — moderate
- Adult size — up to 25–30 cm
- Diet — meaty foods
- Temperament — aggressive predator
- Best kept alone or in a species group
Overview
The name White Piranha is commonly used in the aquarium trade for large, silver‑coloured piranas related to the rhombeus group (Serrasalmus species). These fish are powerful, long‑lived predators that require spacious aquariums and careful handling.
Despite their fearsome reputation, properly kept piranhas usually behave shyly and prefer to hide when someone approaches the tank. Their main challenges are strong jaws, sharp teeth and the need for excellent water quality.
Habitat
In the wild these piranhas occur in South American river systems, including parts of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. They inhabit a variety of biotopes from slow blackwater tributaries to faster white‑water channels, most often staying near submerged roots, driftwood and overhanging vegetation.
Seasonal floods expand their feeding grounds into flooded forests and savannahs, where they follow schools of other fish and search for invertebrates and small vertebrates.
Description
White Piranhas have a deep, laterally compressed body with a blunt head, large eyes and a single row of sharp triangular teeth in each jaw. Colour is generally silver to grey with darker shading towards the back. Adults may develop darker patches or an overall smoky tone.
In captivity they can reach 25–30 cm or more, so even a single specimen is a sizeable fish. Their strong body and powerful tail allow rapid bursts of speed over short distances.
Feeding
In nature these fish feed on other fish, crustaceans and various animals that fall into the water. In the aquarium they accept a wide range of meaty foods: fish fillet, shrimp, mussels, earthworms and quality frozen diets formulated for large carnivores.
To avoid fatty degeneration of internal organs, do not offer mammal or poultry meat. Feed small portions several times per week rather than large meals every day, and remove leftovers promptly.
Care and aquarium setup
A single adult White Piranha should be housed in an aquarium of at least 400 liters, with larger volumes preferable. Provide efficient filtration, strong biological capacity and regular water changes to handle the heavy bioload of a large predator.
Use sand or fine gravel substrate, with roots, driftwood and sturdy plants to give the fish a sense of security. Dim lighting helps them feel calmer. A tight lid is advisable because startled piranhas can dash into the cover forcefully.
Behavior and compatibility
Piranhas can be kept singly or in species groups, but group dynamics are complex and often result in bullying and fin damage if the tank is too small. For most home aquarists keeping a single specimen is safer and easier.
They are not suitable for community aquariums. Any tankmate, even of similar size, may eventually be injured or killed, especially during feeding. Treat them as display fish in their own dedicated setup.