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🐟 Fish · size Medium

Pygocentrus piraya

fish species

Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight

5–30 kg

Size

Medium

Lifespan

3–8 ans

Energy

Moyen

Maintenance

Faible

Training

Faible

Pygocentrus piraya, commonly called Black Piranha, is a species of freshwater fish from the São Francisco River and its tributaries in Brazil. It is the most common piranha in aquarium keeping, due to its relatively easy maintenance and availability in stores. It can inflict severe bites. Its importation has been prohibited in many countries.

Profile

At a glance

Energy

Modéré

Trainability

Faible

Maintenance

Faible

Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.

⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds

L'essentiel

  • 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
  • 2Lifespan: 3 to 8 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
  • 3Moderate energy — 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day are sufficient.
  • 4Minimal maintenance — little shedding, occasional brushing.

What if you adopted your future companion?

The Pygocentrus piraya of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of pygocentrus piraya (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.

Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.

Âge

What human age for a pygocentrus piraya ?

The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 3–8 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.

3 years
Birth9 years

Equivalent human age

52years

Mature

Metabolism slows down. Monitor weight and early signs of joint stiffness, and have teeth checked.

Estimate: Proportional estimate: a reference life expectancy of 5 years, scaled to an 80-year human life. No reference veterinary table exists for this species.

These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.

Alert

To avoid for fish

Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.

  • Pacific tunaModerate
  • Copper sulphateModerate
  • red meatModerate
  • breadLow

Calculator · daily ration

How much to give a pygocentrus piraya ?

Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for fish. Adjust according to package recommendations.

18 kg
5 kg33 kg
Moderate

Result

225 g

per day · 719 kcal

113 g / repas (2 par jour)

Calculation for food of 320 kcal/100g.

For an exact calculation for your Pygocentrus piraya (breed, age, allergies, health conditions): create a free account

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Pygocentrus piraya

How long does a Pygocentrus piraya live?+
Average lifespan: 3 to 8 years depending on maintenance conditions.
Is Pygocentrus piraya suitable for beginners?+
Research carefully before adoption: each species has specific needs (temperature, humidity, diet, space).
What basic equipment should be considered?+
Tank adapted to adult size, filtration, heating if tropical, lighting, plants/decor, water testing kit.

If you like this fish

Breeds with similar profiles

For more information

Sources & official links

Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.

The right score for your Pygocentrus piraya.

SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.