Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: white piranha

Synonyms and Other Names: redeye piranha

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: Serrasalmus rhombeus represents a geographically widespread complex of closely related species in need of systematic review. A key covering piranhas from many regions of South America was given by Géry (1977); however, that work is dated and should be considered incomplete. Recently published keys cover fishes only from single regions or drainages (e.g., Nico and Taphorn 1986). Jégu (2003) published a list of currently recognized species in the subfamily. Photographs of S. rhombeus have been provided by Géry (1977), Goulding (1980), and Nico and Taphorn (1986). A few distinguishing characteristics were given by Fink and Machado-Allison (1992) and Taphorn (1992). Live Serrasalmus rhombeus have red eyes; body color changes from silver in juveniles and young adults to black or dark purple in large adults.

Size: 40 cm SL.

Native Range: Tropical America. The species complex is widely distributed in lowland areas of South America east of the Andes, including the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo basins and various coastal drainages of the Guianas and northern Brazil.

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: All fish were probably aquarium releases. A small number of live fish were intentionally stocked at one locality in Florida in the early 1960s (Shafland and Foote 1979).

Status: Failed and/or eradicated in Florida. A locally established population south Florida was exterminated in 1977.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Similar to Pygocentrus nattereri, Serrasalmus rhombeus is one of the more aggressive piranha species; however, most experts consider its danger to humans to be greatly exaggerated. The Florida population at Monkey Jungle survived the winter of 1976-1977, one of the areas' coldest periods on record for this area (Shafland and Foote 1979). Preserved specimens from the Miami area deposited at UF were determined by W. L. Fink (personal communication) to be S. rhombeus. Import of piranhas is prohibited in many southern states (e.g., Florida, Texas).
Voucher specimens: Florida (UF 87975, UF 97059).

References: (click for full references)

Courtenay, W. R., Jr., H. F. Sahlman, W. W. Miley, II, and D. J. Herrema. 1974. Exotic fishes in fresh and brackish waters of Florida. Biological Conservation 6(4):292-302.

Fink, W. L., and A. Machado-Allison. 1992. Three new species of piranhas from Brazil and Venezuela (Teleostei: Characiformes). Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters 3:55-71.

Géry, J. 1977. Characoids of the world. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Goulding, M. 1980. Fishes of the forest: explorations in Amazonian natural history. University of California Press, Los Angeles, CA.

Jégu, M. 2003. Serrasalminae (Pacus and piranhas). p. 182-196. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.). Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brasil.

Nico, L. G., and D. C. Taphorn. 1986. Those bitin' fish from Venezuela. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 34(4): 24-27, 30-34, 36, 40-41, 56-57.

Shafland, P. L., and K. J. Foote. 1979. A reproducing population of Serrasalmus humeralis Valenciennes in southern Florida. Florida Scientist 42:206-214.

Taphorn, D. C. 1992. The characiform fishes of the Apure River drainage, Venezuela. BioLlania (Guanare, Venezuela), special edition 4. 537 p.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Serrasalmus rhombeus

Author: Leo Nico, and Bill Loftus

Peer Review Date: 7/10/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.