Piranhas are gluttonous and dangerous fishes. About these fishes a huge number of frightening myths and legends goes. It is considered that even crocodiles are afraid of these small predators.
Where do piranhas live?Piranhas inhabit the rivers of South America. The area of their dwelling stretches for tens of millions of square kilometers – from eastern frontiers of a mountain ridge of the Andes to the coast of Atlantic. Piranhas inhabit reservoirs of Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. There are more than twenty species of piranhas. Some types grow to a half a meter in length, others remain absolutely babies of several centimeters.
Contrary to the developed opinion the majority of species of piranhas are harmless. Only four species of these fishes are aggressive and can constitute danger to the person. There is a set of certificates on attack of piranhas on people, however any of these cases did not lead to lethal consequences.
The word "piranha" in language of one of the South American tribes of Indians is meant by "fish tooth". This name is capacious characteristic to fish at whom teeth are paraded because of the special structure of the lower jaw. The controlling movements of jaws of a muscle are very strong. Actually piranhas do not break off production on a part, and cut off small pieces of meat. Teeth of piranhas extremely sharp. It is considered that they can damage even metal.
Piranhas are cannibals. They easily can snatch on the wounded relatives.
Common myths about piranhasContrary to the imposed stereotype the adult piranhas do not form big jambs. In an aquarium of New York where bred piranhas, these fishes kept at considerable distance from each other. However during feeding they snatched on production by dense group. After the end of feeding they restored a habitual distance. And, when density of fishes exceeded a certain admissible size, piranhas began to fight among themselves.
It is unknown, how exactly piranhas feel production. Perhaps, they are guided by movements which make their victims. Scientists suggested that piranhas can react to water level changes.
Piranhas are quite popular for cultivation in aquariums. However in the majority of the countries their cultivation in house conditions is forbidden. Many owners of piranhas for the sake of a joke let out these fishes in natural reservoirs, as a result in the press news about caught in Volga, in Vistula piranhas often appear. Fortunately, severe winters do not allow these fishes to adapt to the cold rivers. So Amazon remains the main place of their dwelling.