Why are piranhas illegal as pets?

Some species of Piranha are regulated in some areas of the U.S. They have been popular over the years as aquarium fish, and this has resulted in occasional intentional release to the wild, where they have potential to become invasive in semi-tropical and tropical areas. Many species of Piranha are actually vegetarians.
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Why is it illegal to keep piranhas?

If introduced outside of their native range, piranhas would not only prey on native species, but compete with them for food and habitat as well, which could lead to a reduction in the abundance and diversity of native species. California native fish and amphibian populations would be especially at risk if piranha were ...
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Can you have a piranha as a pet?

Properly kept, they are interesting and beautiful fish, but they have a few special needs, and caring for them long term requires true commitment. Piranhas are banned as pets in many areas, particularly in the southern United States, so check local regulations before purchasing them, especially online.
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Do piranhas only bite if they smell blood?

Although piranhas are attracted to the smell of blood, most species scavenge more than they kill. Some 12 species called wimple piranhas (genus Catoprion) survive solely on morsels nipped from the fins and scales of other fishes, which then swim free to heal completely.
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Have piranhas killed humans?

In January 2015, a six-year-old girl was found dead with signs of piranha bites on part of her body after her family canoe capsized during a vacation in Monte Alegre, Brazil. Whereas fatal attacks on humans are rare, piranhas will readily feed on bodies of people that already have died, such as drowning victims.
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THE TRUTH ABOUT My PIRANHAS... you should know this about them

Who would win a shark or a piranha?

The shark is too heavy, too big, it can't move or bite fast enough to kill lots of piranhas. It could maybe eat a little group of them. But against 1000 the shark is doomed.
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Do piranhas feel pain?

It is a common misconception that fish do not feel pain. This belief has allowed many people to justify the cruelty they inflict upon piranhas (and many other fish species). However, fish can and do feel pain and recent studies have provided the scientific evidence to prove this.
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What happens if you swim with piranhas?

It is true that many humans have lost a finger or toe to piranhas, but death is highly unlikely, despite many people swimming in piranha-infested waters in South America on a regular basis.
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Can piranhas bite through bone?

The jaws are incredible strong: Some people who have lost toes to piranhas have actually lost the entire toe, bone included. The reason why piranhas can strip a large animal like a cow down to a skeleton so quickly is because of a few factors.
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What does a piranha bite feel like?

That bite can pack a punch, as one study demonstrated that piranhas bite up to three times harder than alligators proportionally. This bite is typically circular and crater-like in nature, and damages skin and underlying tissues. The majority of these bites are on the lower extremities, which is not surprising.
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What states is it legal to own a piranha?

It is LEGAL to own piranhas in some states including Michigan, New Hampshire, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, North and South Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, Wyoming and Wisconsin.
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How long do piranhas live?

Adult piranhas are approximately 12 inches long and can weigh up to four pounds. A piranha's lifespan is up to 10 years.
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Why are piranhas so violent?

Red-bellied piranha attacks tend to peak in the dry season when food is scarce and water levels are low, which leads to heavier-than-usual concentrations of hungry fish. Still, even these dry season attacks are normally limited to small but painful nips to the hands and feet; fatal attacks are quite rare.
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Where do piranhas live in USA?

Piranhas are native to the central and southern river systems of South America, where they inhabit tropical rivers and streams and are often found in murky water. When collected in the United States they have been found in ponds, lakes, rivers, and borrow pits.
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What is the most aggressive piranha?

Black Piranha (Serrasalmus rhombeus) are the largest and most aggressive of all the Piranha species. They are like bodybuilders on steroids and are completely gray and black.
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How fast can a piranha eat you?

It would take between 300 and 500 to devour an adult human. Sure, they could do it with startling rapidity (in about five minutes) because of their nasty rows of teeth and powerful jaws. But is it natural behavior? Nope.
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What does piranha taste like?

Piranhas taste very noble, a little like walleye, but with a much finer texture. They taste best when they are gutted and salted and fried in plenty of oil.
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How sharp is a piranha bite?

Piranhas are carnivorous freshwater fish found in South American rivers, known for their sharp teeth and powerful bite. Here are some key points about the sharpness and structure of piranha teeth: 1. **Razor-Sharp Edges**: Piranha teeth are often described as razor-sharp due to their pointed and serrated edges.
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Why did Wednesday put piranhas in the pool?

Piranhas in the pool

One of the most memorable scenes involves Wednesday exacting revenge on her brother's bullies by dumping hungry piranhas in their swimming pool. Most of the swimmers escape except for one unlucky guy who gets a wee bit chewed up.
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Can piranhas go in salt water?

Piranhas are an omnivorous species usually found in South American rivers but through a recent marine census a salt water species was found inhabiting tropical waters off the coast of Australia.
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What are piranhas scared of?

They are terribly scared of human hands - at best, they are not interested at all.
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Do piranhas sleep with eyes open?

Fish sleep with the eyes open as they do not have eyelids.
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What are 3 facts about piranhas?

Here are some facts that set the record straight.
  • They Aren't Carnivores. ...
  • They Pose a Low Risk to Humans. ...
  • Theodore Roosevelt Helped Spread Their Scary Reputation. ...
  • They Can Eat Quickly. ...
  • Piranha Smuggling is Big Business. ...
  • Piranhas Need Warm Water to Thrive. ...
  • They Have a Highly-Developed Sense of Smell. ...
  • People Eat Them.
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