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)

---

German Sheperds

People love big, protective and loving dogs and that's why... Read More

GPS Pet Tracking

If you have a dog or cat that is an... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com vs. Other Pet Registration Services

For those pet owners who do not know what a... Read More

The Pros and Cons of Vaccinating Your Dog

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? That's become the burning... Read More

The Grave of Gelert

Just south of Snowdon, in the grey-stoned village of Beddgelert... Read More

Water Chemistry For The Discus Tank

Much has been written about the Discus, or Symphysodon aequifasciatus,... Read More

A New Nutritional Approach for Both Pet Allergies and Allergies to Pets

A New Understanding of AllergiesAllergies of all kinds seem to... Read More

10 Reasons Why Your Cat Loves You

There are plenty of reasons why your cat loves you.... Read More

How to Paint Your Cat

Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More

5 Common Grooming Mistakes Made by Dog Owners

1. Clipping the quick when cutting nails.Don't be in a... Read More

Decorative Bird Cages

Whether purely for looks or for a bird's home, bird... Read More

Feral Cats - Societys Problem Children

There is a lot of talk going on about what... Read More

Dog Trick To Cure A Nuisance Barker: Training Buddy to ?Speak? on Command

All breeds and sizes of dogs can be taught easily... Read More

Breeding Discus ? 3 Ways to Encourage Spawning

So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More

Reuniting Lost Pets With Their Owners

Losing a family pet can be a traumatic experience, especially... Read More

Dealing With Canine Ringworm

Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More

Does The World Need More Cats?

Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More

Preparing Your Home For a New Puppy

While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More

How to Ensure that Your Cat is Healthy and Lives a Long and Happy Life

Incredible advances in veterinary medicine are making it possible for... Read More

Ten Most Popular Goldfish

You can't imagine the kind of varieties of Goldfish there... Read More

7 Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe On Halloween

... Read More

Essential Oils and Our Pets

Before we talk about using the essential oils, we first... Read More

How to Teach YOUR Cat to Use a Litter Box - Secrets to Litter Tray Success

Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More

7 Simple Ways To Safe Guard Your Dog This Summer!

If you have a hard time in summer imagine how... Read More

Biting & Nipping Behavior Can Kill Your Dog!

Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More

Keeping Your Cat Healthy

Cats need only be provided with decent shelter, food and... Read More

Characteristics Of The Boxer

Is A Boxer Right For You?Country of Origin: Germany ... Read More

Westie Puppies For Sale ? 7 Important Questions To Ask Your West Highland Terrier Breeder

Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More

Dogtra: Superior Dog Training Equipment that Performs as it Claims

DogtraWhen looking for a dog training collar or containment system,... Read More

Cats And Litter Box Problems

If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More

How to Groom Your Horse

Grooming means taking care of the physical maintenance of the... Read More

Dog Beds for Larger Dogs

Large dogs and extra large dogs require more thought and... Read More

Buy Dog Travel Supplies Online

Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More