Piranha

Piranhas are fascinating creatures with more to them than their infamous reputation suggests. There are over 60 species found exclusively in South America—with about 20 species inhabiting the Amazon Basin (Britannica). Contrary to popular belief, not all piranhas are strictly carnivorous; many species are actually omnivorous or even herbivorous (Britannica). Even among those that consume meat, scavenging is often more common than active hunting (Britannica).

The red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) is the species most often associated with feeding frenzies. However, such extreme behavior is rare (Britannica). A notable historical account involves Theodore Roosevelt, who witnessed a feeding frenzy when a cow was introduced into a body of water with red-bellied piranhas—a demonstration that contributed significantly to the piranha myth (Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2018). It’s important to note that the frenzy was a result of the piranhas being in a starvation state, not typical of their usual behavior (Greater Cleveland Aquarium).

Moreover, many piranha species have specialized feeding habits, whether they lean towards herbivory or carnivory (Britannica). In fact, despite its fearsome reputation, the red-bellied piranha is actually omnivorous (Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute). Overall, piranhas play a vital role in their ecosystems, acting not only as predators but also as important scavengers.

References:

Piranha Britannica

https://www.britannica.com/animal/piranha-fish

(February 16, 2018) How a president propagated a piranha myth Greater Cleveland Aquarium

https://www.greaterclevelandaquarium.com/how-a-president-propagated-a-piranha-myth/

Red Bellied Piranha Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/red-bellied-piranha#:~:text=Food%2FEating%20Habits,figs%20and%20other%20ripe%20fruit.