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Holland's piranha (Serrasalmus hollandi) — Serrasalmidae

Holland's piranha

Serrasalmus hollandi
Family: Serrasalmidae

The Holland's piranha (Serrasalmus hollandi) is a freshwater fish of the family Serrasalmidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Open water
Danger
May bite

Description

Holland's piranha is a piranha (Serrasalmidae) from rivers and floodplains of the Amazon and Madeira basins in South America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery body with dark spots and a powerful lower jaw full of sharp, triangular teeth. As a predator it snaps at small fish, fins, invertebrates and carrion. With its sharp teeth it can give a painful bite if handled carelessly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Holland's piranha?

The Holland's piranha has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Holland's piranha live?

The Holland's piranha lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water.

How big does the Holland's piranha get?

The Holland's piranha grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Holland's piranha dangerous to humans?

The Holland's piranha can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Hollands piranha sourced
English name
Holland's piranha sourced
Scientific name
Serrasalmus hollandi
Family
Serrasalmidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Open water sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Te vangen met natuurlijk aas of kunstaas, afgestemd op de grootte en het leefgebied van de soort. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Serrasalmus

More from the family Serrasalmidae

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