Serrasalmus elongatus – Slender Piranha
Serrasalmus elongatus was first described in 1859 by Kner. The genus name Serrasalmus can be broken down into two Latin words. Serran or Serranus means saw. Salmo means Salmon. Their species name elongatus is a reference to their elongated body. Common names that are used in the aquarium trade: Elongated Piranha, Pike Piranha, Serrasalmus Pingke.
Synoniem: Serrasalmus pingke
Description
Adult Serrasalmus elongatus can grow up to a total length of 25 to 30 centimetres.
The most remarkable feature of this species is its elongated body, setting it apart from all of its relatives. Its torpedo-like body shape is a clue to its behaviour: this species is a very active and agile swimmer and hunter.
There are at least two different color forms of Serrasalmus elongatus, which occur in different locations, with different habitats. Ranging from fast-flowing rivers to lakes with little movement in the water. One of the variants, called Serrasalmus pinke, has a silver-colored body, a large, dark spot behind the gill covers, and a dark, mask-like band running horizontally across the head, through the eyes. The other variant has a more dark ground color for the head, orange to red pectoral and side fins and a reddish cast over the lower part of the head, the gill covers and sometimes the belly.
It is not known whether this concerns one and the same species, or perhaps different (sub)species. The differences may also be due to differences in water chemistry (black water or white water, pH, hardness, temperature), habitat (adaptation to specific conditions, such as plant growth, or the amount of light reaching the water), or diet. Distribution area
Deviating/unique Appearances:
• Salmon-like, elongated body.
Origin
Lakes, ponds and rivers in the Llanos (Venezuela/Colombia), and Amazonian Brazil.
Diet
Fish (fillets, frozen fish such as smelt, live *), shrimps, mussels, earthworms and mealworms, insects, pellets.
* 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. All the more because goldfish and other Cyprinidae (carp-like) 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, then allow a fast of one week to 12 days. During this period, feed the desired prepared food with the lighting dimmed or switched off. If it doesn’t work the first time, supplement with live food and try again. Piranhas can go without food for a few weeks without any problems, so the fish is not at risk during this “cure” (except for specimens smaller than 8 centimeters!).
The Aquarium
This active species is a very fast and agile swimmer, and therefore requires a very spacious aquarium: much larger than other piranha species of comparable size. An aquarium of at least 150x50cm is recommended for an adult specimen. Young specimens can be kept temporarily in smaller aquariums, with a tank of 100x40cm as the lower limit.
Since this species is a fast and active swimmer, it requires plenty of open space. Nevertheless, a few hiding places in the form of plants, driftwood or stones are recommended.
A strong current, generated by a powerful filter or a current pump, is highly recommended to meet the natural needs of this species.
Video
Author
Jonas Hansel – Piranha-info.com
Copyright images
Screenshots from the videos above
