Fish Stereotypes - Piranhas - 4 - Page 1

Gluttonous, bloodthirsty

These fish are often portrayed as if they guzzle up anything thrown into the water they swim in. Though piranhas are notorious for this behaviour recent studies have proven that they don't always attack creatures in the water straightaway.

A piranha is an omnivorous freshwater fish that inhabits South American rivers. In Venezuela, they are called caribes. They are known for their sharp teeth and a voracious appetite for meat. There are various myths about piranhas such as how they can dilacerate a human body or cattle in seconds. A recurrent myth is that they can be attracted by blood and are exclusive carnivores. A Brazilian myth called "piranha cattle" states that they sweep the rivers at high speed and attack the first of the cattle entering the water allowing the rest of the group to traverse the river. A study in Suriname found that piranhas may occasionally attack humans, particularly when water levels are low.