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America in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, the north and eastern Guiana Shield rivers, and northeastern Brazilian coastal rivers. Its length is up to 41.5 cm.

2

These piranhas live in very diverse habitats ranging from soft blackwater, to hard whitewater areas in the Amazon, and as such, are very tolerant of differing water chemistry.

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This fish was long known and traded as Serrasalmus niger.

4

Specimens that are in the upper size ranges can command very steep prices (such as $500 for a 30 cm (12 in) fish).

5

Like all piranha, they have razor sharp teeth and powerful jaws and caution should be used when performing tank maintenance, particularly when they are of a mature age.

6

Juveniles are, on average, fairly timid. Individual animal temperament does, of course, vary.

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