Higher classification Pristobrycon | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Pristobrycon striolatus Rank Species | |
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Similar Pristobrycon, Pygopristis denticulata, Wimple piranha, Serrasalmus gibbus, Characidae | ||
Pristobrycon striolatus 3 piranha
Pristobrycon striolatus is a species of serrasalmid.
Contents
- Pristobrycon striolatus 3 piranha
- Pristobrycon striolatus piranha
- Range and habitat
- Description
- Feeding
- Etymology
- References
Pristobrycon striolatus piranha
Range and habitat
P. striolatus inhabits mainly black or acidic waters in tributaries in the Orinoco and Amazon River Basins.
Description
This small and beautiful fish reaches 10–30 centimetres (3.9–11.8 in). Its body is discoid with the anterodorsal profile slightly curved or straight. The head is robust and wide. Its snout is blunt. A preanal spine is absent. The adipose fin is wide. The head is silver with metallic orange to red at the mandibular and opercular regions. Its iris is yellow. Its body is greenish laterally and a mixture of orange and red at the abdominal area, covered with "pepper-like" spots. It has a single spot in the opercular area above the pectoral fin origin. Fins have reddish tones. Its caudal fin has an angled basal black band.
Feeding
Along with other members of the group, P. striolatus is a predator, consuming smaller fish and attacking fins. Juveniles eat aquatic insects and crustaceans (shrimps). Occasionally, diet includes fruits from the surrounding gallery forest. This is a solitary, non-schooling species.
Etymology
Pygopristis antoni Fernández-Yépez, 1965 is a synonym of this species. Other names are: Serrasalmo scapularis (part) Gunther, 1864; Pygopristis gibbosus Starks, 1913; Pygocentrus striolatus Fernández-Yépez, 1969; Serrasalmus striolatus Norman, 1929.
