Pygo's

[ocean5003]

Dumb question... Why are Pygo's known as "real" piranha? I've actually read that on a few different sites referring to their scientific classification.


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[thesixthbrand]

Sorry what are Pygos?

 

[Zander_The_RBP]

Sorry what are Pygos?

Pygocentrus, Piranha genus that includes Caribes, Natts and Piraya.

i have seen them referred to as the "true piranhas" on several sites including OPEFE. Im pretty sure it's because the word piranha came from what certain south american native tribes called members of the genus we now call Pygocentrus. They refered to other species as Pirambeba. Therefore going by the original meaning of "piranha" it's not proper to call anything other than Pygocentrus species "piranhas"

Ultimately the term "piranha" has no scientific basis or value, we know know silver dollars (genus Metynnis) are actually just as closely related to the "true piranhas" as pirambeba are.

 

[ocean5003]

@ Zander, Great answer.. I really appreciated a simple, clear cut to the point answer. Thank you...


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[F1 VET]

Piranha means "scissors" in amazonian culture. I have a shoal of red belly pygo, best fish ive ever kept!

#1 S. Vettel