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South America’s river shark
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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