Solo Red Bellied Piranha

[JonZ]

I am interested in keeping a SOLO Red bellied piranha. I have read that some people have success in keeping them solo. I know there are piranha species that are better in solitary but I really want a RBP because its the piranha that people think of. I plan to keep a fry in a 20 gal and move it to a bigger one when it grows. I am asking for advice if a solo RBP is capable of thriving and what setup(water conditions,filtration,how much flow, anything at all) and strategies I need in keeping one. As much as I want to keep 6+ of them I don't think I am able to care for a school of them since tbh I don't have much experience in this hobby and I would rather focus on a single individual getting the best care and attention it needs. TIA.

(Also what Hikari food do they eat(only brand here I can get))

 

[tlindsey]

I am interested in keeping a SOLO Red bellied piranha. I have read that some people have success in keeping them solo. I know there are piranha species that are better in solitary but I really want a RBP because its the piranha that people think of. I plan to keep a fry in a 20 gal and move it to a bigger one when it grows. I am asking for advice if a solo RBP is capable of thriving and what setup(water conditions,filtration,how much flow, anything at all) and strategies I need in keeping one. As much as I want to keep 6+ of them I don't think I am able to care for a school of them since tbh I don't have much experience in this hobby and I would rather focus on a single individual getting the best care and attention it needs. TIA.

(Also what Hikari food do they eat(only brand here I can get))

Welcome aboard
Yes many have kept a solo redbelly piranha. They are extremely hardy except for too low of temperature . You could use a hob filter low light.

 

[Deadeye]

I used to feed my red belly hikari floating carnivore food sticks.
You’ll want to aim for slightly acidic water, but they are quite tolerant of a range of conditions.
Live plants are possible, but likely to get eaten or dug up.
I would just use a hob filter for mine and didn’t have any issues. Any filtration would be fine though.
Really the main thing for them is to keep it dimly lit. They are super sensitive to bright lights and will be more active (and comfortable) in a darker tank.

 

[JonZ]

Welcome aboard
Yes many have kept a solo redbelly piranha. They are extremely hardy except for too low of temperature . You could use a hob filter low light.

What should I do to my tank to compensate for its lack of buddies? Should I crowd it with hiding spots and decorations to make it feel safe?

 

[JonZ]

What should I do to my tank to compensate for its lack of buddies? Should I crowd it with hiding spots and decorations to make it feel safe?

I used to feed my red belly hikari floating carnivore food sticks.
You’ll want to aim for slightly acidic water, but they are quite tolerant of a range of conditions.
Live plants are possible, but likely to get eaten or dug up.
I would just use a hob filter for mine and didn’t have any issues. Any filtration would be fine though.
Really the main thing for them is to keep it dimly lit. They are super sensitive to bright lights and will be more active (and comfortable) in a darker tank.

What should I do to my tank to compensate for its lack of buddies? Should I crowd it with hiding spots and decorations to make it feel safe?

Do you feed floating carnivore regularly as their main diet? or do you have foods in rotation?

 

[tlindsey]

What should I do to my tank to compensate for its lack of buddies? Should I crowd it with hiding spots and decorations to make it feel safe?

I recommend a couple of plants and driftwood that will help the small piranha feel secure. The redbelly piranha will not be shy when full grown.

 

[Deadeye]

Piranha shoals are interesting. Even in large shoals, they are super aggressive with each other and often will kill each other off (usually you need to buy more than you intend to keep). Shoaling works as a hunting/defense tactic, but they are seemingly quite content to be alone. They naturally live in groups, but aren’t going to freak out on their own the way other schooling species may.
The main diet for my red was the floating carnivore sticks (and is currently the main for my red wolf fish) and any of my (immature) failed attempts at tankmates. You can also feed fresh frozen fish and shrimp for it. Algae wafers would also be a good supplement.