A piranha or piraņa is a member of a family of omnivorous freshwater fish which live in South American rivers. In Venezuelan rivers they are called caribes. They are known for their sharp teeth and an aggressive appetite for meat. Locals often use piranha teeth to make tools and weapons. Piranha are also a popular food, though if an individual is caught on a hook or line it may be attacked by other piranhas.
Piranha are commonly consumed by subsistence fishermen and often sold for food in local markets. In recent decades, dried specimens have been marketed as tourist souvenirs. Piranhas occasionally bite and sometimes injure bathers and swimmers, but truly serious attacks are rare and the threat to humans has been largely exaggerated. A piranha bite is sometimes considered more an act of carelessness than that of misfortune. But piranhas are a considerable nuisance to commercial and sport fishers because they steal bait, mutilate catch, damage nets and other gear, and may bite when handled.
Piranhas are normally about 15 to 25 cm long (6 to 10 inches), although reportedly individuals have been found up to 43 cm (18.0 inches) in length. All piranhas have a single row of sharp teeth in both jaws; the teeth are tightly packed and interlocking (via small cusps) and used for rapid puncture and shearing. Individual teeth are typically broadly triangular, pointed, and blade-like (flat in profile). There is minor variation in the number of cusps; in most species the teeth are tricuspid with a larger middle cusp that makes the individual teeth appear markedly triangular.
I was swimming in this river when some Indian catched this guy in the meantime, never ran so fast out of the water:) Hoping you had a great weekend, xxJen
This ugly creature sends a shiver down my spine Jen dear. Im happy you didnt tell the full story. You are a worry and i wish you wouldnt take these risks. We love looking at your work but not at the risk of your life. On the pic. Great clarity. Is that your reflection? Thanks for showing :))(what may have eaten you) Hugs Keithxx
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