Higher classification Pristobrycon | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Pristobrycon maculipinnis Rank Species | |
Similar Pristobrycon, Pristobrycon striolatus, Serrasalmus hollandi, Pygopristis denticulata, Wimple piranha | ||
9 5 pristobrycon maculipinnis rare piranha
Habitat
Habits mainly in black or clear acidic waters in Amazonas State of Venezuela (High Orinoco). Type locality is a back water of the Pamoni River, Casiquiare River Basin.
Description
Body is discoid to oval with the anterodorsal slightly convex. Head robust and wide. Snout blunt. Preanal spine and ectopterygoid teeth absent. Adipose fin wide. Head dark or black in adults with mandibular and opercular areas dark red. Iris golden yellow with a dark transversal band. Body with methalic greyish laterally with numerous bands and spot giving a marmoled appearance. Abdominal area dark red. Ventral serrations and fins covered with dark spots. Dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins with external red rays. Adipose fin dark with several spots.
Behaviour
It is a predatory fish. Consuming smaller fish and attacking fins, juveniles include aquatic insects and crustaceans (shrimps). Frequently included fruits from the surrounding gallery forest. This is a solitary species. Never seen in schools.