Edit Serrasalmus elongatus
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Serrasalmus elongatus
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Serrasalmidae
Common names
Pike Piranha
Photograph credits
All 3 credited
Summary
The pike piranha, Serrasalmus elongatus, is a streamlined piranha from the Amazon and Orinoco basins in Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia a…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
300mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
24–28°C
Hardness
0–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Species tank only
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Amazon, Orinoco
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Fairly widespread. It's been recorded from Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil, where it occurs in both the Amazon and Rio Orinoco river basins.
Habitat
This species is found in both black and white waters, inhabiting a diverse range of biotopes from areas of dense jungle to the tropical grasslands of the Venez…
Aquarium size
This is a very active fish so something in the region of 120 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm/~432 litres is the minimum that should be considered long-term.
Maintenance
Juveniles and newly-imported specimens are best kept in a planted set-up with plenty of shaded areas. A wild-looking tank decorated with tangles of roots and b…
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 28 °C pH: Best kept in slightly acidic to neutral conditions. The pH in the Rio Orinoco ranges from 4.5 - 7.0 depending on locality. Hardness…
Diet
Stomach anlayses of wild fish suggest it is an exclusive carnivore, the diet being composed of smaller fish and various invertebrates. It's known to feed heavi…
Behaviour and compatibility
Should only be considered as a specimen fish for the enthusiast. This species doesn't make a good tankmate for anything else. Scattered reports of it coexistin…
Sexual dimorphism
Unknown. There has been speculation that variations in the shape of the anal fin or caudal peducle patterning may be an indicator of gender, but to date neithe…
Reproduction
Like most members of the genus, S. elongatus has not been spawned in captivity.
Notes
S. elongatus is known as "Caribe Pinche" in its native countries and is a rare find in the trade, tending to be quite expensive as a result. Individuals seem t…
References
References
No references