Scientific Name
Serrasalmus nattereri. Click here for more information about the scientific names for many Piranha species.

Comments
There are many species of fish in the genus Serrasalmus that are all called Piranhas. Serrasalmus nattereri is the most common.

Reports of Piranhas biting people in their native habitats are rare, so the danger of Piranhas is exaggerated. But Piranhas have bitten people who have put their hands in an aquarium full of Piranhas. Maybe those Piranhas had been under-fed.

Size and Life Span
This species of Piranha can grow to be 18". Their life span is unknown to us, but they probably live for at least several years.