Latin name

Serrasalmus elongatus

Other name

Elongated piranha, pike piranha, Caribe pinche, pingke piranh, serrasalmus pinke.

Identification

The most important feature of the slender piranha, which is reflected in its name, is its elongated, torpedo-shaped body. This shape strikingly distinguishes it from other piranhas, which typically have a deep, laterally compressed body. Due to this characteristic and its elongated snout, it closely resembles a predatory pike. They have a very well-developed sense of smell. They are capable of detecting the scent of blood from several tens of meters away in the water.

Features of fish fins

The caudal fin has a wide black margin at its base and a transparent outer edge. The dorsal and anal fins are long and low, which also contributes to the body's streamlined shape.

Fish coloring

The body is silvery-gray with fine speckling. Adult fish may have a pattern of vertical lines and dots on their sides, which becomes noticeable at around 8 cm (3.1 inches) in length. Juvenile fish have silvery eyes. As they mature (by 10–12 cm or 4–4.7 inches), the iris of the eye acquires a characteristic red color.

Distribution

They are widely distributed in northern South America. They can be found in the rivers of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

Habitat

A freshwater tropical benthopelagic species. This species demonstrates great flexibility in choosing its habitats. Juveniles tend to stay in shallow black waters (río negro) and so-called "floating meadows" — aggregations of aquatic vegetation that serve as shelter and hunting grounds for them. Adult fish prefer deep sections of large whitewater rivers with a noticeable current.

Size

In its natural range, this is one of the smallest piranha species. The maximum body length of these fish is 30 cm (12 inches).

Behavior

Solitary, territorial fish. In the wild, they do not gather in large schools to hunt, preferring to ambush prey alone.

Food and feeding habits

In nature, this is an obligate (strict) predator. The basis of its diet consists of small fish, as well as insects and various invertebrates. Slender piranhas are also known for their tendency toward pterygophagy — the eating of the fins and scales of other fish, which is a specialized hunting strategy. Thanks to the structure of their jaws (powerful muscles and razor-sharp, triangular teeth), they do not seize their prey with their entire mouth but rather make a slicing bite.

Reproduction

Differences between males and females are weakly expressed and not fully confirmed. According to some observations, males are more slender and brightly colored, and during the breeding season, their belly and the area of the gill covers may become red. To date, there is not a single confirmed and documented case of successful breeding of this species in captivity. Information on this is absent in scientific and aquarist literature, and all fish available for sale are caught in the wild.

Fishing

Mass commercial fishing for the slender piranha is not conducted. The main way they enter the aquarium trade is through targeted capture by local people using nets and fishing rods.

Relationship with a person

These fish do not pose a serious threat to humans. An accidental bite is possible (for example, on a finger if handled carelessly), but it is not fatal and occurs extremely rarely.

It is considered one of the most difficult piranha species to keep in captivity. It is recommended only for very experienced aquarists who are prepared for the fish's aggressive behavior and the need for significant financial investment.