Pets Information

Breeding Piranhas


Piranhas are unique creatures that have gained popularity not just because of their appearance, but also due to the many myths that are told about them. Unfortunately only a few species of piranha have been bred, including Serrasalmus nattereri, S. spilopleura, S. gibbus, S. rhombeus. Another that is considered relatively easy to breed is S. maculatus.

Whichever of these species you choose, you should have an aquarium of at least 100 gallons. A group of 5-6 piranhas is quite appropriate; however if you want them breeding it is best to keep a pair only, so that there are no other fish to bother them. To find a mating pair select two adult piranhas, one thick and the other thinner - in most cases thick piranhas represent females and thinner piranhas represent males. Just make sure you are not looking at them after they have been fed. Although having found a male and a female doesn't automatically mean success, it is a step on the way.

The ideal temperature is between 73°-83°F. Standard fluorescent bulbs are fine for the lighting. Piranhas also like some protective cover, and you should also make the lighting of half of the aquarium darker than the other. Piranhas are hardy fish but it is a good idea to maintain the water clean and clear. In their original Amazon River habitat, the rainy season is when most fish spawn. Frequent and bigger water changes seem to have an immense effect on the success of breeding (as they simulate the rainy season) and are most helpful in getting the piranhas into breeding condition.

When your piranhas lose all their colour and turn almost completely black, they are in breeding condition! Both of them may start to protect a certain spot; chasing off other piranhas that come too close. When they start picking up gravel in their mouths as if digging, it usually means they have already begun the mating process. Be careful not to disturb your piranhas during this time! The female will release eggs into the pit, and then leave the nest (but might stay close by it). The male is usually responsible for guarding the nest and eggs. The number of eggs laid varies from 700-4000. The eggs hatch in 2-3 days.

If you are lucky enough to have reached this stage, then it's time to take care of the fry. Prepare a 10 to 15 gallon tank with heater and undergravel filter. Water should be from the parents' tank. Be very, very careful when transferring the fry, as the parents can be extremely protective and aggressive. The fry will quickly absorb their yolk sacs and you can start feeding them live baby brine shrimp as food.

One thing you should be aware of is the legal issues. Some states do not allow the sell or ownership of piranhas at all. Other states require that you obtain a permit to sell or own a piranha. Be sure to check to see if any local restrictions apply before purchasing your piranhas.

About The Author

Article by William Berg writer for Aquatic Community with more then 20 years of aquarium experience. Find more of Williams articles about Piranhas or an article about completely different pet like Dogs

Article may be reproduce as long as it is not edited and this resource box is included "as is with live links" on the bottom of the page.(Java links and PHP links are not allowed, I.e. SE friendly links only)


MORE RESOURCES:

Pets of the Week
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - 15 hours ago
Visit the Utah Animal Adoption Center, 1955 N. Redwood Road, or consult the web at www.utahanimaladoptioncenter.org. For information, call 801-355-PETS.
Pets of the week Deseret News
all 4 news articles


'Pets Need Suncream Too'
Sky News, UK - 3 hours ago
We are used to warnings about protecting our children from the sun, but now animal lovers are being told to protect their pets too. Animal charity The Blue ...
Pet owners warned over sun damage Scotsman
all 2 news articles


Ottawa Citizen

Pets on a bus harmful to health
Ottawa Citizen,  Canada - 2 hours ago
People with allergies will suffer if pets can go on buses, writes Rita Martinez. I have a severe allergy to dogs -- I can't be in the same room as a dog or ...


Tech sets PETS Festival Saturday
Greenville News, SC - 3 hours ago
By Angie Campbell • STAFF WRITER • July 25, 2008 This year's PETS Festival at Greenville Technical College will be bigger and Better, organizers say. ...
There are ways to cut cost of pet ownership Greenville News
all 2 news articles


Blistering weather is a hazard for pets [27 mins ago]
NewsOK.com (subscription), OK - 5 hours ago
•Give the pet a shaded or sheltered area to use if it must be kept outdoors. •Do not leave pets in the car, even with the windows cracked. ...


Steve Blow: It's not just pets that deserve quality care
Dallas Morning News, TX - 18 hours ago
That one was headlined: "Sparing no expense for Fido – Pet owners are spending big bucks on health care for their furry friends." Local folks are shelling ...


Ottawa bus drivers oppose pets on board
CBC.ca, Canada - 18 hours ago
Ottawa bus drivers are vehemently against allowing pets on public transit, the union representing the drivers says. "We're concerned about the health and ...


New Hanover plans hurricane shelter for pets with owners
StarNewsOnline.com, NC - 10 hours ago
By Vicky Eckenrode Pet owners in New Hanover County would be able to bring their dogs and cats to a local shelter this year during a hurricane. ...
Animal Control Panel Accepts Revised Ordinance Southern Pines Pilot
all 4 news articles


Pets' Corner: Will all my cats get along?
Independent, UK - 17 hours ago
However, having a dog as a family pet is wonderful. Puppies need to go out regularly as part of their house-training. In the beginning it can be up to every ...


PetFit Challenge Helps Keep Pets - and Pet Owners - Healthy
MarketWatch - Jul 24, 2008
Unfortunately, our pets -- they really do look like us -- mirror us with similar health issues. The Campaign to End Obesity, a public/private partnership ...

Pets - Google News

home | site map
© 2006