I would like to start raising Piranha when i get the money and space. What would be the best type of Piranha and how much would they run me???
New to Piranha
- Thread starter BillyBob 72
- Start date
Not sure on the tank yet, maybe 100 Gallons or so. and i plan to more than one but not sure the amount i want for sure. money will be the deciding factor of that one.
if you want a shoal then pygocentrus species will be your options. red belly piranha (pygocentrus nattereri) is the most common pygos you can find in the hobby. depends on where you get them can range from $5-$20 (could be more at certain places) each at around 1-2"
the amount of fish depends on your tank size and dimension and filtration.
the amount of fish depends on your tank size and dimension and filtration.
my first piranha set up ran me somewhere in between $350-$400.
125 gallon tank set up (tank, stand, light, tops, cheap HOB filters) $250
extra filter - used canister filter $50
Heater $25
5 red bellies $35 ($7/fish)
misc
you can also do a single serrasalmus species if you prefer a solo. a small quarter size serra. piranha around here cost between $20-30 each. Prices go up with size and species type.
other than that you can start off with red bellies. They're pretty hardy and easy to take care. Not to mention cheaper.
125 gallon tank set up (tank, stand, light, tops, cheap HOB filters) $250
extra filter - used canister filter $50
Heater $25
5 red bellies $35 ($7/fish)
misc
you can also do a single serrasalmus species if you prefer a solo. a small quarter size serra. piranha around here cost between $20-30 each. Prices go up with size and species type.
other than that you can start off with red bellies. They're pretty hardy and easy to take care. Not to mention cheaper.
Yeah see where I'm from a lfs wants 50 a pc for 5 inch rbp's but as stated before it all depends. I guess the reason he can charge so much is because no one else has them. Don't the serra species take forever to grow tho? I read about an 11 inch rhom that was only 11 inches. But the fish might have been under fed. Under filtered and in a small tank for most of its life. I think that would determine a lot. I've been trying to get into the hobby myself but my big tank is scratched all to hell and needs resealed on one side and the center brace out back in. 130 gallon tho. Could house a nice rbp shoal in that tank or have one happy ass rhom. That's where u got to make a choice. A school of fish or that one amazing fish. Making sure everyone is happy and fed or making sure that one centetr pc is happy and fed. Takes some thinking and consideration.
serra. do have slower growth rate than pygos. But if do frequent WC and feeding it should hit around 6" fairly fast (probably not as fast as red belly) after 7" growth will be very slow 1/2" - 1 per year according to my research.
The problem that I have with keeping serra. species is that, I cant just keep 1 species. I like them all so I try to collect them all, resulting in numerous solo tanks ( equals more money haha)
The problem that I have with keeping serra. species is that, I cant just keep 1 species. I like them all so I try to collect them all, resulting in numerous solo tanks ( equals more money haha)
Rhom's growth rates aren't really that much slower then red bellies if you consider that the red belly only puts on an inch a year after it reaches 6 inches or so. The difference is you're dedicating an entire tank to just one fish so people usually want a big enough fish to take up room in the tank. With red bellies you'd just add more and not worry about how fast/slow they grow
however, i haven't heard alot of first hand experience from rhom owners that bought them small. Everyone seems to start at 6 inches and up
however, i haven't heard alot of first hand experience from rhom owners that bought them small. Everyone seems to start at 6 inches and up
I say get a single Sanchezi piranha. They are the most aggressive kind (but not schoolers) and they only grow to like 6".
I've got 3 red belly piranha's and they are tons of fun to have. Make sure you are prepared before bringing them into your home. You will need an amazing filter because these guys make a lot of waste. A solid heater, and a large enough tank. RBP's aren't quite as territorial as other specie of piranha but they are still quite aggressive towards one another; make sure they have enough room.
Good luck!
Good luck!