| Family: |
Serrasalmidae (Piranhas and pacus), subfamily: Serrasalminae |
| Max. size: |
27.1 cm TL (male/unsexed); 32.4 cm TL (female); max.weight: 440.0 g; max.weight: 783.0 g |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
South America: Paraguay-Paraná River basin. |
| Diagnosis: |
|
| Biology: |
Feeds mainly during the daytime, though some large fish (15-20 cm SL) extend their foraging activity to dusk (about 1800-1900H). Night is spent sheltered among vegetation. Small-sized to medium-sized fish (7-10 cm) are solitary and patrol feeding territories (3-4 square m.) in a way similar to that reported for the scale-eating Catoprion mento. Stalking with some use of plant cover is a frequent mode of hunting employed by S. marginatus. It approaches its prey with a slow, stealthy movement from behind or below. It strikes its prey on the tail or anal fin, of which a piece is clipped out with a jerking motion of the body. This clipping is audible underwater. Lurking is also employed during daytime (Ref. 9080). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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