Piranhas
A piranha or piraña (,, or ; or , ) is one of a number of freshwater fish 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.
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 meaning fish and ánha meaning cut (which also meant "bad" or "devil" in Tupi-Guarani).
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 meaning fish and ánha meaning cut (which also meant "bad" or "devil" in Tupi-Guarani).
Map - Piranhas
Map
Country - Brazil
Currency / Language
| ISO | Currency | Symbol | Significant figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRL | Brazilian real | R$ | 2 |
| ISO | Language |
|---|---|
| EN | English language |
| FR | French language |
| PT | Portuguese language |
| ES | Spanish language |