Post by Radrook Admin on Jul 2, 2024 9:29:03 GMT -5
Piranhas
A piranha or piraña (/pɪˈrɑːnjəˌ -ræn/, or /pɪˈrɑːnə/; Portuguese: [piˈɾɐ̃ɲɐ], Spanish: [piˈɾaɲa]) is any of a number of freshwater fish species in the family Serrasalmidae, or the subfamily Serrasalminae within the tetra family, Characidae in order Characiformes.
These fish inhabit South American rivers, floodplains, lakes and reservoirs. Although often described as extremely predatory and mainly feeding on fish, their dietary habits vary extensively, and they will also take plant material, leading to their classification as omnivorous.
These fish inhabit South American rivers, floodplains, lakes and reservoirs. Although often described as extremely predatory and mainly feeding on fish, their dietary habits vary extensively, and they will also take plant material, leading to their classification as omnivorous.
Etymology
The name originates from the indigenous Tupi people and their respective Tupi language. It is formed from two words, pirá meaning fish and sainha meaning tooth; the same word is used by Indians to describe a pair of scissors. Another possible derivation is from pira nya, probably literally 'biting-fish'. In the mid 18th century the Portuguese merged the word into piranha. Finally, the word may also come from the combination of pirá 'fish' and ánha 'cut' (which also meant 'bad' or 'devil' in Tupi-Guarani).
Needless to say, or at least it should be needless to say, since the reputation of these fish for being viciously aggressive and ravenously hungry has even inspired some popular horror films, a person planning on swimming in any South American river, especially those located in Brazil's steaming Amazon jungle, should make certain that it doesn't have these fishes gingerly swimming around.
Why? Well simple! Because it could lead to the very unpleasant experience of ether being repeatedly bitten, or else being eaten alive and in that way spoil your vacation.