Animal Fish Family: Characidae Classification: Prohibited family
is an extremely large one that includes the various tetra
species commonly found in the pet trade. The genera Pygocentrus
contains what are though of as true piranhas or caribes. This
genera includes P. nattereri, the red-bellied piranha, which
grows to about 12 inches. The genera Rooseveltia has become
invalid, because it had been previously used on another animal
species. The genus Serrasalmus is a large complex of as many as
12-14 closely related species. This classification has been
revised several times. The most common “piranha” in the class is
S. rhombeus, which grows up to 18 inches. The species undergo so
many morphological changes as they mature that the rhombeus is
called “white piranha” and “black piranha.” Generally speaking
these fish have laterally compressed bodies, and short powerful
jaws with triangular interlocking teeth. They are carnivorous
and will bite anything that moves.