Piranhas are usually small fish but have you ever wondered how large they are able to get? Large piranhas can be scary, considering the small ones are already so fierce. In this article, you will learn about the largest piranha species and other things about this biting fish. Sizes, location, and even bite forces vary depending on each species. Let’s go over some of the largest piranhas in the world and how big they can get.
The Largest Piranha Ever
It is estimated that there are around 30 to 60 species of piranha. The largest known species is the San Francisco piranha, also called the piraya piranha or black piranha. The San Francisco piranha (Pygocentrus piraya) average weight is around 5 to 8 lbs (2.2 to 3.6 kg). They regularly measure between 12 to 14 inches (30.4 to 35.5 cm). This species is the largest of any known extant piranha species and has a maximum length of 19.6 in. (50 cm).
Different Piranha Species And Size
Piranha is the name used for a variety of fish that fall into this category. Piranhas are in the family of Serrasalmidae and are found in around 5 different genera. Here is each genera that encompasses pirahnhas:
CatoprionPristobryconPygocentrusPygopristisSerrasalmus
Piranhas can only be found in South America in river and basin habitats in the wild. Different species exist in varying sizes. Another large species of piranha is the redeye piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus), which is also often known as the black piranha. They grow to around 13 inches (33cm) on average and have a maximum weight of 6.6lbs (2.9kg). The largest redeye piranha ever recorded was 16.3 in (41.4 cm). Other names for this species include the redeye piranha, spotted piranha, yellow piranha, and white piranha. Redeye piranhas also have the strongest bite record of any piranha and fish species fort their size. The bite force measured from the black piranha was at 320 newtons, which was about three times the force of an alligator of comparable size. Smaller species also exist, and the smallest of all is the wimple piranha (Catoprion mento). This species will only grow up to 6 in (15.2 cm). Being so small, this species will not eat anything larger than it, and mostly survives on small fish, worms, and shrimp. This is a popular species to keep as a pet because of its small size.
Are Piranhas Dangerous to Humans
Piranhas might get a bad rep because of their sharp triangular teeth and the horror stories about this species. Usually, this fish is not dangerous and can even be shyer than other species of fish. People who live in areas with native species can swim with piranhas without being attacked. They would rather scavenge than hunt for their food. Wounded or dead animals make better meals than live humans. In hot periods when food is scarce piranha bites may happen. These are usually nips and never dangerous attacks. One reason why piranhas have a bad reputation is because of former president and adventurer Teddy Roosevelt. He called these fish “the most ferocious fish in the world” and gave them the first bad impression. Some attacks from these fish do occur, but they are rarely deadly. The sound of a human swimming may sound like a fruit falling into the water, or a wounded animal splashing. Fearing these fish is not necessary, as when we come across them in the wild, they fear us more than we fear them.
The Megapiranha
Giant piranhas are not only a thing seen in horror movies but once roamed the waters in South America like the species we have today. Megapiranhya is an extinct species that lived over 10 million years ago in the Late Miocene era. Research suggests they were able to reach 28 in (71 cm) and weighed around 22 lbs (10 kg). Compared to the largest species of piranha today, they can be seen as giants. Teeth are the only fossil that has been discovered of this species. Comparing their size of teeth with piranhas of today, we can estimate how large they were. The Miocene period has some of the largest species of animal that look similar to the ones found in South America today, like the giant crocodile species. The piranhas that we see today have been around for about 1.8 million years, and it seems they may be around for much longer.
