MINIMUM TANK SIZE

For groups of 3-4 fish, you will need a tank of at least 120x50x50 cm. (48x20x20").  Each extra fish would require an additional 6-8" in tank length, with 6 fish or more a tank depth of 60 cm (24") is recommended. Juvenile fish can be temporarily kept in smaller tanks.

 

TANK REQUIREMENTS

Plants, rocks or drift wood to provide hiding places, the tank lights should be dimmed. Heavy filtration is required to deal with the large amounts of waste this fish produces. A powerhead can be added to provide currents. Care is required in handling, extremely dangerous to hands.

 

WATER TEMPERATURE

24-29 degrees Celsius (76-84 degrees Fahrenheit).

 

WATER CHEMISTRY

pH should be between 6.0 - 8.0, ideally slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.5 - 7.2 . Soft water is preferred.

 

COMPATIBLE SPECIES

Extremely dangerous to others.  Should generally be kept as solitary fish. 

 

DIET

Fish (whole, fillet or feeders*), shrimp, cockles, mussels, squid, insects, earth worms, pellets. Food items such as poultry, mammal meat and organ meat should be fed sparsely once or twice a month at the most. Meat needs to be unseasoned and trimmed of any fat.

 

*Live fish need to be quarantined first, so they are safe to feed (containing no diseases or parasites). Goldfish, minnows and other members of the Cyprinid family (Carp-like fish) should be avoided, as these fish contain growth-inhibiting hormones (Thaiminase/Vitamine B1 inhibitors) that could negatively affect the fish's health and development.

 

SHIPMENT OF FISH

We offer a postal courier service to any part of the country so distance is not an issue and our fish are packed and transported under correct conditions, an information sheet is included on 'What to do with your Piranha'.