Serrasalmus Gouldingi

Datasheet

General Description

The Goulding's Piranha (Serrasalmus Gouldingi) belongs to the Serrasalmidae family within the Characiformes order. Known for its distinctive body shape and coloration patterns, it is occasionally found in the ornamental trade under the alias of "blue tiger piranha." This species is characterized by a deep, rhomboid body, a blunt-snouted robust head, and specific dental features such as ontogenetically variable ectopterygoid teeth.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care, Goulding's Piranha should be housed alone as a single specimen in a tank with a minimum size of 540 litres. The aquarium setup should include adequate water quality maintenance, such as regular water changes (30-50% weekly), and the provision of open swimming spaces along with driftwood or surface vegetation for cover. Due to their waste production, employing oversized external filters with integrated heaterstats is advisable to ensure a healthy environment.

Behaviour

Best kept as solitary individuals, Goulding's Piranhas exhibit skittish behavior when housed in barren setups; thus, the inclusion of some hiding spots is recommended. Their behavior is notably aggressive, emphasizing the need for cautious maintenance activities or netting due to the species' capability to harm submerged equipment.

Feeding and Diet

In their natural habitat, Serrasalmus species, including Goulding's Piranha, show opportunistic feeding tendencies, with a preference for small fishes, fish flesh, and fish fins. In aquarium settings, they can be fed chironomid larvae (bloodworm), earthworms, shellfish, and fish flesh strips for smaller individuals, while larger specimens accept live river shrimp and earthworms. It is advised to avoid mammalian or avian meat and 'feeder' fish to prevent health complications.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Details regarding the reproduction and sexual dimorphism of Goulding's Piranha are yet to be recorded, leaving aspects of their breeding habits and potential physical distinctions unexplored.

Habitat and Distribution

Natively inhabiting rivers within the Rio Negro drainage in northern Brazil, Goulding's Piranha thrives in acidic, mineral-poor blackwater environments characterized by tannin-stained water. Their distribution extends from the upper reaches of the Rio Negro to the Archipelago das Anavilhanas in the lower Negro basin and potentially throughout the Casiquiare system, although confirmatory records from the upper Orinoco are lacking.