Serrasalmus is a genus of freshwater ray-finned fishes belonging to the familySerrasalmidae, which includes the pacus, piranhas and related fishes. They are collectively known as pirambebas; the "typical" piranhas like the piraya piranha are nowadays placed in Pygocentrus. Like all piranhas, Serrasalmus are native to South America.
One species, S. humeralis, was able to temporarily establish a breeding population in Florida before being eradicated in 1981.[2][3]
Serrasalmus species have sharp teeth and generally have a compressed rhomboid shape.[4][verification needed] In some, the shape is more ovoid, particularly in old specimens. There is also a high variation in color patterns found within this genus.[4][verification needed] Some Serrasalmusspecies can exceed 20 in or 510 mm (S. manueli and S. rhombeus, according to OPEFE), placing them among the largest Serrasalmidae.[citation needed]
Serrasalmus species are primarily piscivorous, with varying degrees of propensity for omnivory depending on the species. Plant material ingested may include fruits and seeds.[5]
Middle Miocene-aged fossil tooth remains of a serrasalmid potentially referable to Serrasalmus are known from the Pebas Formation of Peru. The genus otherwise does not have a fossil record.[8]
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