1. Aquarium Setup:
- Minimum tank size: A group of red-bellied piranhas requires at least a 100-gallon tank. They are active swimmers, so providing enough horizontal space is crucial.
- Filtration: Install a powerful filtration system capable of handling high bioloads and maintaining excellent water quality.
- Substrate: Use smooth gravel or sand as a substrate. Avoid sharp objects that may damage their delicate bellies.
- Lighting: Provide moderate lighting, as piranhas prefer dimly lit environments.
2. Water Parameters:
- Water temperature: Red-bellied piranhas thrive in warm waters between 75-86°F (24-30°C).
- Water pH: The ideal pH range is slightly acidic to neutral, between 6.0 and 7.0.
- Water hardness: Medium hardness is preferred, with a range of 5 to 15 dGH.
3. Diet:
- Red-bellied piranhas are carnivores and feed on live or frozen foods such as fish, shrimp, insects, and occasionally meaty treats like raw beef heart or chicken.
- Feed them small meals several times a day instead of one large meal. This helps prevent overfeeding and reduces the risk of aggression.
4. Social Behavior:
- Red-bellied piranhas are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6-8 individuals.
- They can be territorial and aggressive towards one another, so providing plenty of open swimming space and hiding places is important.
- Avoid keeping them with smaller fish or species they might perceive as prey.
5. Tank Maintenance:
- Regular water changes of 20-30% every week are essential to maintain water quality and prevent the accumulation of waste.
- Monitor water parameters closely and adjust them as necessary.
- Clean the tank regularly, removing uneaten food and waste to avoid fouling the water.
6. Safety Precautions:
- Always practice caution when handling piranhas. Their teeth are sharp, and they can inflict serious injuries.
- Use a net with a long handle during feeding and tank maintenance.
- Keep the aquarium covered to prevent accidental escapes.
7. Compatibility:
- Red-bellied piranhas should only be kept with other robust, aggressive species that can handle their temperament and size.
- Some suitable tank mates include silver dollars, large tetras like blackskirt tetras, or other large characins.
- Avoid keeping them with peaceful or slow-moving fish.
8. Health and Disease Prevention:
- Provide a balanced diet and maintain good water quality to prevent health issues.
- Monitor the piranhas for any signs of disease, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or skin lesions.
- If any health problems are suspected, isolate the affected fish and consult with an experienced aquarist or veterinarian.
Remember that red-bellied piranhas are a challenging species to keep and may not be suitable for beginners in the hobby. Always do your research and consult with experienced aquarists before adding these fish to your tank.
