It easily accommodates to life in captivity, but it is aggressive toward smaller species. It breeds easily in aquarium: the male delineates a territory in which the female lays its eggs. After hatching, the pair will protect juveniles against potential predators.

It seeks its prey near the surface and sometimes it jumps out of the water. It accommodates well to life in captivity, but it must be maintained in a large aquarium. Also avoid putting in a pond with small fish.

It is rather "shy". It lives in shaded areas or in natural hiding places where it black and yellow lines allow it to hide. It easily acclimate to an aquarium.

During breeding, the male digs a hole in the sand. A female will deposit it eggs that it will shelter in its mouth. After hatching, the young remain close to the adults. In case of danger, they take refuge in the mouths of their parents. It is bred in pisciculture.

It is carnivorous, its sharp teeth have earned it the local name. (Pira = fish, Nha = tooth). Its dangerousness was often exaggerated: it serves as prey of many animals (alligators, giant otter ...). Piranhas are especially dangerous for humans in the dry season, when they lack food.

It is a nocturnal hunter. It lives in the bottom of the rivers, where it remains upright to hide among the reeds. It fits well in a large aquarium. But we must avoid leaving it with small fish that it could eat.