Serrasalmus marginatus Valenciennes, 1837
Serrasalmus marginatus
photo by Janzon, L.-A.

Family:  Serrasalmidae (Piranhas and pacus), subfamily: Serrasalminae
Max. size:  27.1 cm TL (male/unsexed); 32.4 cm TL (female); max.weight: 440.0 g; max.weight: 783.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Paraguay-ParanĂ¡ River basin.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Feeds mainly during the daytime, though some large fish (15-20 cm SL) extend their foraging activity to dusk (about 1800-1900H). Night is spent sheltered among vegetation. Small-sized to medium-sized fish (7-10 cm) are solitary and patrol feeding territories (3-4 square m.) in a way similar to that reported for the scale-eating Catoprion mento. Stalking with some use of plant cover is a frequent mode of hunting employed by S. marginatus. It approaches its prey with a slow, stealthy movement from behind or below. It strikes its prey on the tail or anal fin, of which a piece is clipped out with a jerking motion of the body. This clipping is audible underwater. Lurking is also employed during daytime (Ref. 9080).
IUCN Red List Status: Not Evaluated (N.E.) Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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