Once they are large enough to defend themselves they leave their hiding place. After hatching, the young piranhas stay on the bottom hiding among the plants. The fertilized eggs may hatch in as few as two or three days, depending on temperature of the water. The male guards and tends the eggs and is very territorial during this time. The eggs stick to the plants and the male swims by fertilizing them. Reproduction: After the completion of a courtship display in which mates swim in circles, females deposit several thousand eggs in bowl-shaped nests that are built by the males near water plants. They produce a drumming sound by causing vibrations with their muscles that echos through their swim bladder. Red-bellied piranhasĬan sense any unusual vibrations in the water around them by using their lateral line system – a special line of sensors down the sides of their bodies that picks up changes in water pressure, currents and movement.Ĭommunication: Communication is exhibited acoustically and through aggressive behaviors such as biting, chasing and fighting. Senses: They have an advanced sense of smell, which helps them locate prey. They will also attack mammals and birds that swim or stand in the water. They are also a staple food item of many people.ĭiet: As opportunistic feeders, they eat fish, aquatic invertebrates, crustaceans, insects, algae and aquatic plants. Piranhas are prey of crocodilians, larger fish, fish-eating birds and large mammals such as Jaguars. The presence of blood in the water turns the feeding into a frenzy. These communal feeders hunt in packs or shoals of up to 30 or more individuals, hiding until they attack their prey. Red-bellied piranhas can weigh seven or more pounds (3.2 kg).īehavior: Red-bellied piranhas spend most of their time hunting for food. Size: They can reach lengths up to 15 inches (38 cm) but are typically six to eight inches (15-20 cm) and weigh up to three pounds (1.4 kg). The teeth are capable of slicing through bone. They have a powerful jaw that contains a single row of tightly packed triangular-shaped, interlocking teeth with needle-sharp points. Body colors and tints vary in regions, age and gender, with the eyes in adults ranging from clear to reddish some females have darker red bellies than males. The rest of the body is gray-brown with flecks of gold and silver. Description: Red-bellied piranhas get their name from their characteristic red belly.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |