Serrasalmus eigenmanni – Eigenmann’s Piranha
Serrasalmus eigenmanni was first described by Norman in 1929. The genus name Serrasalmus can be broken down into two Latin words. Serran or Serranus means saw. Salmo means Salmon. The generic name eigenmanni is a reference to the scientist Eigenmann who has done a lot of research into animals. Their common name is Eigenmann’s Piranha or Red Hook Piranha.
Description
This species does not grow larger than 20 centimetres, although full-grown specimens are very rare in captivity. Adult specimens are clearly recognizable by the black spot just behind the gill cover while the gill cover itself is coloured red/orange. This red extends to the throat of the fish. Due to the round shape of the operculum, it looks a bit like a hook. Hence the common name Red Hook Piranha.
Deviating/unique Appearances:
• Clear eyes.
• Clearly visible humeral spot.
• Light-colored caudal fin with a dark V-shaped base.
• Concave head shape.
Origin
South America: Brazil, Venezuela, British and French Guiana, Suriname.
Diet
Fish (fillet, frozen whole fish such as smelt, live fish *), shrimps, mussels, insects, earthworms, bloodworms, mealworms, mosquito larvae, tubifex, flakes, tablets.
* When feeding live fish, a number of things should be considered: First, all fish can introduce diseases and/or parasites into the aquarium, including goldfish, windes and other commonly used cold water fish as well as tropical fish. It is therefore also advisable to keep food fish in a quarantine aquarium for a week or 2, in order to ‘flush out’ the sick and weakened specimens. In addition, it should be taken into account that goldfish and close relatives are not particularly nutritious. A diet that usually consists of live fish is therefore not recommended. Especially because goldfish and other Cyprinidae (carp-like species) contain hormones – so-called “Thiaminase / Vitamin B1 inhibitors” – that paralyze the production of certain growth-stimulating substances in predatory fish. A very one-sided goldfish diet can therefore lead to growth and development disorders!
It may take a while for the fish to accept prepared food: if this is the case, make sure the fish is well fed with live food and then introduce a fasting period of a week to 12 days. During this period, provide the desired prepared food while the lighting is dimmed or turned off. If it doesn’t work the first time, supplement with live food and try again. Piranhas can go without food for a number of weeks without any problems, so the fish is not in any danger during this “cure” (with the exception of specimens smaller than about 8 centimeters!).
The Aquarium
The aquarium for Serrasalmus eigenmanni should be at least 120 x 50 x 50 centimeters for adults. Young fish can be kept temporarily in a smaller aquarium, with a minimum size of 80 x 35 x 40 centimeters.
The aquarium should be equipped with sufficient hiding places, obtainable by the use of (drift) wood, stones, and/or plants. This is to meet the often somewhat skittish nature of this fish. In addition, there should be sufficient open swimming space available, as this species is a fast swimmer. Optionally, a flow pump can be used for additional flow in the water.
Compatible Species
None: Due to its habit of parasitizing on the fins and scales of other fish, it is not possible to keep this species with other piranhas or other fish species.
In some cases it has been possible to keep Armored Catfish (Plecos) or Spiny Catfish with this species, but a large number of hiding places (and a good dose of luck) are indispensable for this.
Video
Author
Jonas Hansel – Piranha-info.com
Copyright images
ZaJ’
AquariumGlaser.de – AquariumGlaser on Facebook
References
