here is some great info on spilos.
Spilopleura Piranha
Scientific name:
Serrasalmus spilopleura
Author:
Kner, 1858
Synonyms:
Pygocentrus dulcis.
Common namen:
Black banded piranha, Ruby red, Diamond piranha, Spilo.
Distribution:
Amazonas Basin, Guaporé River.
For a map of the distribution of this species, click here.
For a detailed interactive map showing the distribution of all piranha species, visit the Interactive Piranha Map.
Appearance:
Morphology (Body Characteristics)
Subterminal black band often not touching edge of caudal fin. Females mature at the age of 4 years old, while males at the age 6 years old. The marginal growth (Gi), indicated that females form ages *annuli (scale rings) between Winter and Spring season, while males do in the Summer. For females, the annuli (scale rings) formation was attributed to the development of the gonads, while for males it was attributed to the lack of feeding during the post-reproduction period, possibly due to parental care.
* Scales, when looked under a microscope looks like rings of a tree. This ring called annuli is used to determine piranhas ages.
Color of Life
Silvery with a yellow reflections on body. The dorsal, anal and adipose fin are fringed with black. The base of caudal is dark with a black band. In young, the edge of the caudal fin hyaline with a dark band in the middle. Adults the black band may extend nearly touching the edges of the caudal fin unless reduced by bites. A humeral spot, is present and appears on the large specimens, but not present with the smaller individuals.
A quick visual reference to identify this fish
· Clear to yellow eyes
· No dark edge on anal fin
· Caudal fin with hyaline edge
· Concave headshape as juveniles
· Convex, almost Pygocentrus-like headshape as adults
Maximum Size
Approx. 22 cm. (9") TL.
Specimen over 18 cm. (7") TL are rare in captivity.
Sexing
Not sexually dimorphic: males and females look similar.
Care:
Minimum tank size
Recommended tank size for an adult specimen is 120x45x50 cm. (48x18x20").
Juvenile specimen can be kept in a smaller tank: minimum 60x30x30 cm. (24x12x12").
The Spilopleura Piranha is one of the few Serrasalmus species that have succesfully been kept in a group for a while: minimum recommended size to attempt this is 150x50x60 cm. (60x20x24") - only to be attempted by very experienced piranha keepers that know exactly what they are doing, and know what risks are involved!
Tank Requirements
Plants, drift wood or rocks provide hiding places, the tank lights should be dimmed.
Heavy filtration required to deal with the large amounts of waste this fish produces. A powerhead can be added to provide currents.
Dangerous to hands and other extremities. Care is required in handling.
Water temperature
24-29 degrees Celsius (76-84 degrees Fahrenheit).
Water chemistry
pH should be between 6.0 - 8.0, ideal is slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.5 - 7.2
Soft water is preferred.
Compatible Species
Although this species has succesfully been kept in a group, it is highly recommended to keep the Spilopleura Piranha as a solitary fish: it remains a parasitic and highly agressive species.
Breeding
Few instances of captive breeding. Probably one of the more prolific species of piranha, especially if tank raised.
Diet
Fish (whole, fillet or feeders *), shrimp, cockles, mussels, squid, insects, earth worms, pellets.
Food items such as poultry, mamal meat and organ meat should be fed sparcely: once or twice a month at most. Meat needs to be unseasoned and trimmed of any fat.
On rare occasions this species accepts vegetables, nuts seeds or fruit as well.
* Live fish need to be quarantained first, so they are safe to feed (containing no disases 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.
