Want to get back into the piranha scene

[JoeBoxer]

Hi all,

Been posting in the cichlid section and creeping this one for awhile.

Long story short, I've been out of the hobby for a long time and now just getting back into it. Piranhas (RBP) were the first fish I ever owned, and they definitely have a special place in my heart. I raised 4 RBP from tiny little things into 8" beauties before I got rid of them (which I still regret to this day). I think they had some of the best colour of captive bred RBP that I have ever seen (online or in person). *shakes head*

Anyways, I would like to buy a 75ish gallon tank in the near future and get piranha(s).

My question...if I set the tank up properly, dim lighting, etc, is there a decent chance that 4-5 RBP would be able to not be super shy, crash into the side of the tank when I walk in the room, kind fish? Or is that who they are, take it or leave?

I also love the look and personality of both diamond rhoms and maculatus, so one of those would be an option as well.

Love to hear your thoughts!

 

[nzafi]

Red bellies are skittish. If you want a small school without the skittish get caribe. Look similar but a lot more aggressive. They tend to cannibalize more though and can get much larger than rbp.

 

[SandNukka15]

If you dont want a skittish shoal i would go with caribe but you would need at least a 180 for life. Some serras can be skittish as well so it all depends on the individual fish. Imo if you can try getting at least a 125 if your doing reds or at least a 180 if u do caribe

 

[JoeBoxer]

What about gold spilo? Are they in general bolder than rhoms? I know they stay smaller but not sure about the personality.

 

[nzafi]

Depends on the individual personality of the fish but they can be very aggressive.

 

[SandNukka15]

If u want an aggresive serra ur best bet is an elong

 

[JoeBoxer]

Cool. Would need to order online for sure. Never see anything around here other than reds and the odd rhom and ruby spilo.

 

[ilikeb00st]

i've had various species of piranhas in the past. Like the others have mentioned, RBP are skittish, but over time i found mine to be less skittish by doing the following: cover/paint back and sides of the tank, longer ON time with the tank lights, get a lot of foot traffic by the tank, and good water flow in the tank. My solo tanks are pretty much the same, but i find the elong, rhoms are less shy. my baby and juvi rhoms are shy but larger 6" ones end up being finger and people chasers. My elong, 1 was shy 1 was finger chaser, my manueli was a complete sissy... lol

 

[SandNukka15]

Most pygos will be skittish and majority of young serras will hide.....it all depends on the individual personality of the fish.....some piranhas turn more aggressive over time some wont. A nice powerhead, dim lighting and black water extract usually help

 

[JoeBoxer]

i've had various species of piranhas in the past. Like the others have mentioned, RBP are skittish, but over time i found mine to be less skittish by doing the following: cover/paint back and sides of the tank, longer ON time with the tank lights, get a lot of foot traffic by the tank, and good water flow in the tank. My solo tanks are pretty much the same, but i find the elong, rhoms are less shy. my baby and juvi rhoms are shy but larger 6" ones end up being finger and people chasers. My elong, 1 was shy 1 was finger chaser, my manueli was a complete sissy... lol

Most pygos will be skittish and majority of young serras will hide.....it all depends on the individual personality of the fish.....some piranhas turn more aggressive over time some wont. A nice powerhead, dim lighting and black water extract usually help

Thanks for the input. Makes sense.

It's so weird, my LFS has a lone 7"ish red belly in a tank, and he is totally a finger chaser and seems super aggressive. I dont think I've ever seen that before with a Nat! Especially a solo Nat.