Care
Tank Requirements: Recommended tank size for an adult specimen is 120x45x50 cm. (48x18x20"). Juvenile specimen can be kept in a smaller tank: minimum 60x30x30 cm. (24x12x12"). This is one of the few Serrasalmus species that have successfully been kept in a group for a while: minimum recommended size to attempt this is 150x50x60 cm. (60x20x24") - only to be attempted by very experienced piranha keepers who know exactly what they are doing, and know what risks are involved.
Plants, driftwood or rocks provide hiding places; the tank lights should be dimmed. Heavy filtration required to deal with the large amounts of waste this fish produces. A powerhead can be added to provide currents. Fish can be dangerous to hands and other extremities. Care is required in handling.
Water temperature: 24-29 degrees Celsius (76-84 degrees Fahrenheit).
Water chemistry: pH should be between 6.0 - 8.0, ideal is slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.5 - 7.2 Soft water is preferred.
Compatible Species: Although this species has successfully been kept in a group, it is highly recommended to keep the Geryi Piranha as a solitary fish: it remains a parasitic and highly aggressive species.
Breeding: No instances of captive breeding have been reported as of yet.
Diet: Fish (whole, fillet or feeders *), shrimp, cockles, mussels, squid, insects, earthworms, pellets. Food items such as poultry, mammal meat, and organ meat should be fed sparingly: once or twice a month at most. Meat needs to be unseasoned and trimmed of any fat. On rare occasions this species accepts vegetables, nuts, seeds, or fruit as well.
- Live fish need to be quarantined first, so they are safe to feed (containing no diseases or parasites). Goldfish, minnows and other members of the Cyprinid family (Carp-like fish) should be avoided, as these fish contain growth-inhibiting hormones (Thaiminase/Vitamine B1 inhibitors) that could negatively affect the piranha's health and development.
Read more about this topic: Violet Line Piranha
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