WikiCatch
Red-bellied piranha

Red-bellied piranha

Pygocentrus nattereri

Family
Serrasalmidae
Max Length
50 cm
Max Weight
3.9 kg
IUCN Status
NE
Water Type
freshwater
Fishing Spots
42

Overview

The red-bellied piranha, also known as the red piranha, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the family Serrasalmidae, which includes the pacus, piranhas and related fishes. The red-bellied piranha occurs in South America, found in the Amazon, Paraguay, Paraná and Essequibo basins, as well as coastal rivers of northeastern Brazil. This fish is locally abundant in its freshwater habitat.

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Live shiners

    Hook behind dorsal fin for natural presentation.

  • Cut bait (fish)

    Use oily fish like sardines or mackerel.

  • Chicken liver

    Tough and bloody, good for holding scent.

  • Earthworms

    Effective for smaller piranhas.

Artificial Lures

  • Rapala Original Floater 07Crankbait

    Retrieve with erratic jerks.

    Buy
  • Mepps Aglia #3Spinner

    Silver or gold blade is highly effective.

    Buy
  • Zoom Trick WormSoft Plastic

    Texas rigged or weightless for topwater action.

    Buy
  • Johnson Silver MinnowSpoon

    Weedless and works in heavy cover.

    Buy
  • Strike King Redfish Magic SpinnerbaitSpinnerbait

    Trailer hook recommended for short strikes.

    Buy

Techniques

Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs from sharp teeth. Fishing close to structures can increase your chance of catching them.

As an Amazon Associate, WikiCatch earns from qualifying purchases.

Where to Find Red-bellied piranha

Amazonas, Brazil4 spotsEntre Ríos, Argentina3 spotsMinas Gerais, Brazil3 spotsLoreto, Peru3 spotsSão Paulo, Brazil3 spotsMato Grosso, Brazil2 spotsUcayali, Peru2 spotsBahia, Brazil2 spotsRio Grande do Sul, Brazil2 spotsMato Grosso do Sul, Brazil2 spots
📍 Find spots near me🗺️ Explore on the full map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Red-bellied piranha?+

Popular baits for Red-bellied piranha include Live shiners, Cut bait (fish), Chicken liver, Earthworms, Rapala Original Floater 07. Tip: Use a wire leader to prevent bite-offs from sharp teeth. Fishing close to structures can increase your chance of catching them.

Where can I catch Red-bellied piranha?+

Red-bellied piranha can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Amazonas, Brazil; Entre Ríos, Argentina; Minas Gerais, Brazil. WikiCatch lists 42 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Red-bellied piranha get?+

Red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) can reach up to 50 cm in length and 3.9 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NE.

Get WikiCatch on iPhone

360,000+ fishing spots, AI fish ID, weather & solunar — free.

Download on the App Store