Its flat, disc-shaped body is silvery-gray with a reddish belly and chest in adults, with an orange iris and an extremely prominent lower jaw fitted with sharp triangular teeth that interlock perfectly. Although they have a fearsome cinematic reputation, in the Iberá they are shy animals that play a fundamental cleaning role: they act as the "vultures of the water", removing sick or dead animals. Attacks on humans in the Iberá are extremely rare. Length: 25 to 35 cm. Weight: 800 g to 1.5 kg.
Behaviour
It moves in loose schools or alone among the dense vegetation. An opportunistic carnivorous and scavenging diet: other fish (frequently just the fins), crustaceans, insects and the remains of dead animals. Attracted by abrupt movement in the water or the smell of blood.
How and when to see it
Very active in the warm months (November to March). Extremely easy to see them swimming in schools beneath the walkways or in clear bays.
Where to see it in the Iberá
The gateways of the Great Iberá Park where red-bellied piranha has confirmed presence:
Tours to see it
Verified providers operating at the gateways where red-bellied piranha lives. You contact them directly on WhatsApp from the app.
- Esteros Ñe’é
Experiences with local storytelling and a cultural take on the marshes.★ 5.0 - Gaucho Argentino
Horseback journeys across a network of refuges in Iberá. Multi-day rides with overnight…★ 5.0 - Irupé Excursiones
Guided hiking. Guided visit to museums, historic sites, chapels and trails of the town…★ 5.0 - Reserva Estero Camba Trapo
Private nature reserve of Ecoposada del Estero, on the Camba Trapo road. One of the…★ 5.0
Species profile
- Common nameRed-bellied piranha
- Scientific namePygocentrus nattereri
- GroupFish
- StatusNo data
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