Pirañas in the tambopata national reserve
PIRANHAS IN
THE TAMBOPATA NATIONAL RESERVE
Everyone who travels to the jungle knows the piranha: the terrifying, toothy creature that have attacked generations of Hollywood stars, right? Learn the real truth!
Scientists believe there are 30 to 60 species of piranhas, from the small yellow-bellied piranha, to the 50 cm red-bellied piranha, they have impressive teeth and some travel in groups.
They are omnivores, eating mainly seeds, nuts, algae and sometimes other animals. Piranhas are even a food source in some parts of the Amazon. As a freshwater fish that loves dark, calm waters, piranhas do not actually dwell in the rivers of Tambopata, so fear not!
Piranhas seem to strongly prefer still bodies of water to moving rivers, which is why they are so abundant in the region’s lakes. In Malinsky Lake, for example, you can sail on a catamaran and even fish for piranhas!
SOME SPECIES OF PIRANHAS IN TAMBOPATA
- Red-bellied piranha
- White piranha
- Golden piranha
- Black piranha
CAN PIRANHAS ATTACK?
The main trigger for a piranha attack is the presence of blood in the water (as they have a keen sense of smell). Because they often feed on dead animals’ carcasses, they are compared to scavengers.
The ancient “mega piranhas” were one meter long: the teeth of modern piranhas are intimidating enough. Imagine the “Mega-Piranha” of 8-10 million years ago, stretching up to one meter (about three feet) long! Scientists have discovered the skeletons of the mega-piranha in what is now Argentina.
