Piranha: Fish With a Vicious Reputation and Mixed Diet

Sometimes an animal just captures the collective imagination in a way that, while sensational, might not be entirely justified. Take piranha fish , a toothy South American freshwater fish that has been the subject of not one, not two, but five Hollywood horror movies.

Sure, they've got big teeth, but are piranhas really as ferocious as their reputation?

The Red-bellied Piranha: One Species Among Many

Chances are, if you've seen a piranha at an aquarium, it's a red-bellied piranha. In fact, the total number of piranha species is a matter of some debate. But red-bellied piranhas are the most commonly found, especially in captivity, which is also the species most likely to be sensationalized in media and folklore.

The only natural home of piranhas is in South American rivers such as t