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South America’s river shark
Red Piranha This fearsome-looking fish has an evil reputation. The Red Piranha is found in South America from the River Palte to the Orinoco. It is a small ugly-looking fish, with a deep, blunt head and short powerful jaws armed with razor-sharp, interlocked teeth. It is carnivorous, but there are some related species that feed only on fruits and seeds.

In larger lakes and lagoons, swimmers and bathers generally go unmolested by these fishes. Similarly, riverine populations represent no great threat. Dangerous situations occur in the dry season when the lakes and lagoons shrink, allowing the Red Piranhas to congregate in large numbers. Any animal or human entering these waters would be readily attacked. Piranha-infested waters are easily detected by the commotion they cause while attacking fishes stranded on the shoreline.

It has always been thought that blood was the major stimulant to Red Piranhas. It seems, however, that Red Piranhas are more readily attracted to noise and splashing by which they recognise a wounded animal in the water.


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