Piranha Fish

Piranha Fish

Piranha Fish
The site that provides beautiful photographs and pictures of numerous fish species together with interesting facts and information about each type of fish.

Interesting Information about Piranha Fish
A Piranha, also spelt Pirana is a freshwater fish with a fearsome reputation! They are Known in Venezuela as Caribes and are native to South America, in particular the Amazon river basin. Piranhas are Omnivores which means that they eat both plants and animals. They have a single row of interlocking, tightly packed razor sharp teeth in each jaw which they use to puncture their prey and strip away the flesh.
 

Facts about Fish Species - How do you identify the sex of a Piranha Fish?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes tricky being an ichthyologist!

Facts about Fish Species - Why are Piranha Fish slimy?
Piranha Fish secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin. This slime provides protection against parasites and infections and helps the Piranha Fish to move through the water faster. Some fish species also release toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish species use their slime to feed their young.

Facts about Fish Species - Why do Piranha Fish have gills?
Gills enable the Piranha Fish to breathe. Gills consist of thin sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however have lungs and breathe air.

Facts about Fish Species - Why do the Piranha Fish have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish are designed to perform a specific function:

• Dorsal fins - The dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Piranha Fish has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Ventral fins. The ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The Piranha Fish has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.

• Caudal fins. The Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Piranha Fish has Caudal fins to propel through the water.

• Pectoral fins. The Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The Piranha Fish has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to side movement

Interesting Facts and Information about Piranha Fish