Piranha: Modern-day piranhas reach 17

Modern-day piranhas reach 17 inches long. Their prehistoric ancestors were 3 feet long! The exact number of species is unknown, but there are thought to be 30 to 60 or more. The most infamous species is the red-bellied piranha, which lives in South America and is primarily found in the Amazon River along with several other piranha species. Learn about the piranha, a ferocious freshwater fish with razor sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Find out how many species there are, what they eat, where they live, and why they are not as dangerous as they seem. 14 Fun Facts About Piranhas They’re not cute and cuddly, but they may be misunderstood, and scientists are rewriting the fish’s fearsome stereotype Learn about the different species, diets and vocalizations of piranha fish, a toothy South American freshwater fish that has been the subject of Hollywood horror movies. Find out why piranhas are not as ferocious as their reputation and how they interact with other animals in the Amazon.