San Francisco piranha
fish
Also known as: Pygocentrus piraya
Quick Summary
The San Francisco piranha (Pygocentrus piraya) is a species of razor-toothed carnivorous fish found in South American rivers, specifically native to the San Francisco River in Brazil. While piranhas have a reputation for ferocity, most species, including the San Francisco piranha, are scavengers or feed on plant material. They have deep bodies, saw-edged bellies, and strong jaws with sharp, triangular teeth that interlock like scissors. The San Francisco piranha is considered dangerous to humans, though attacks are rare.1
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