< >
A piranha or piraa, a member of the family Serrasalmidae or a member of the subfamily Serrasalminae within the tetra family Characidae in the order Characiformes. They are freshwater fish that live in South American rivers, floodplains, lakes, and reservoirs. Depending on the exact species, most piranhas grow to between 12 and 35 cm (5–14 in) long. A few can grow larger, with the largest living species, the red-bellied, reaching up to 50 cm (20 in). Piranhas have one of the most powerful bites of any bony fish. The black piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus) has one of the most powerful bites measured in vertebrates in relation to body mass. The effects of climate change are shown in my illustration by the fish shrinking dramatically due to water temperature increase. Also with there being no other fish in the background.