Amérique du Sud - List of fishes

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.

The discus, an oviparous fish from the Amazon regions, reproduces at the beginning of the flood season, giving its young a better chance of survival. It naturally resides in slightly acidic waters, favoring flooded forest areas to protect and feed itself.

The pair defends its eggs and alevins against potential predators. The juveniles feed on the mucus secreted by the parents. Breeding in aquarium is possible, but complicated. There are many colorful varieties that sometimes reach exorbitant prices.