Pinche piranha - Serrasalmus eigenmanni

Scientific name: Serrasalmus eigenmanni

Common name: Pinche piranha

Family: Serrasalmidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 17 - 19 cm (6.69 - 7.48 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.2 - 7.4

Recommended water hardness: 7 - 16°N (125 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 21 - 27 °C (69.8 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

Pinche Piranha (Serrasalmus eigenmanni), also sold as Eigenmann’s piranha, is a predatory serrasalmid native to the Amazon basin and the northern–eastern Guiana Shield rivers. It is a solitary, highly territorial species and a notorious fin biter, best kept alone. Wild individuals can grow considerably larger than many aquarium specimens, so plan your system for an adult fish rather than a juvenile.

Food and Feeding

Primarily a carnivore. Offer safe, ethical foods such as high-quality sinking carnivore pellets/sticks, pieces of fish fillet or shrimp, and frozen items (krill, prawn, fish, bloodworms). Avoid mammalian/avian meats and do not use live vertebrates (both welfare and legal concerns). While some piranhas may sample plant matter in the wild, Serrasalmus species are not fruit-eating pacus; “chopped fruit” should not be relied on. Feed modest portions, as this species is prone to over-eating; remove leftovers promptly.

Sexing

No reliable external sexual dimorphism is documented for hobbyists. Males and females look very similar outside of spawning condition.

Breeding

S. eigenmanni is a substrate spawner in nature, but well-documented captive breeding reports are lacking. Occasional anecdotal accounts exist; however, consistent protocols have not been established. Treat any online claims with caution unless accompanied by verifiable documentation.

Lifespan

Commonly cited at 8–10 years in aquaria with excellent water quality, low stress, and appropriate diet; larger, older individuals are plausible with top-tier care.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

Footprint & size: for a single adult, aim for at least 120 × 50 cm (4 × 1.6 ft) footprint and robust filtration; larger is better due to skittish behavior and bio-load.
Water: pH ~6.2–7.4; hardness ~7–16 °dH; temperature 21–27 °C. Stability and high oxygenation are more important than chasing exact numbers.
Layout: dim/subdued lighting, dark substrate, driftwood/rocks to break lines of sight, and open lanes for quick bursts. Use a tight lid.
Maintenance: large, regular water changes; powerful biological filtration to handle protein-rich diets.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Keep singly. This species is aggressive/territorial, and many Serrasalmus are fin-biters even toward conspecifics. Community housing risks severe injury to other fish.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Mid to lower water column (benthopelagic). Often holds near cover in the middle/lower levels and makes rapid darting sorties; not a true bottom-resting catfish nor a surface cruiser.

Short Description

Pinche Piranha (Serrasalmus eigenmanni) is a solitary, predatory piranha from the Amazon and Guiana Shield. Provide a large, dimly lit tank with strong filtration, keep it alone, and feed a responsible carnivore diet. Captive breeding remains undocumented.

Q&A

How big does it get? Aquarium specimens often reach ~17–20 cm TL, but published wild maxima indicate substantially larger potential.
Why not keep a pair? Serrasalmus species are solitary and aggressive; cohabitation commonly leads to fin damage or death.
Do they need bright light? No — subdued lighting with cover reduces stress and skittish lunges.