[Freshwaterguy1313]

Alright here is a question... how big do Piranhas get. I have a Red Belly Piranha and some say the get 12 inches long others say otherwise. I have been feeding him Rosey Minnows(also known as Rosey Reds). I would feed him Frozen baby rats but I'm not sure he will eat them. Right now he is about 4 inches long now and I've had it for about about 5 months I believe. What else should I give it????:confused

[organicreefer]

piranhas are illegal sounds like you have a pacu.im not positive but dont pacus eat fruits???????should i even attempt to answer youre question????am i a cliff claven????why dont i get a life????

[Freshwaterguy1313]

Actually in Michigan they are legal because I have one. It is a Red Belly. I can tell the difference because of the extended jaw. So yes the are legal in some states.

[organicreefer]

i was positive they were banned by federal law but i guess i should double check that

[SPasse]

Organicreefer,

If there is a federal ban, it must not be being enforced. But if you find info on a federal ban, please forward it to us.

State law varies. They tend to be illegal in states with warmer climates, where it is feared that released pets could impact native species and perhaps become a hazard.

Some states, like New York, well... who knows.

Here is a list on a state by state basis:

http://freshaquarium.miningco.com/pe...org/legal.html

If well fed, they can grow quickly, reaching full size in about a year.

They tend to be nervous and not very good pets, but can be rather pretty.

Regards,

Scott Passe

[Freshwaterguy1313]

Well anyways back to the Question I was meaning to get answered. What is the biggest they get??? What is the food they eat???? Thanx

[SPasse]

Here is part of that link with the legality issues.

http://www.piranha.org/

Size - Depending on species/variety up to 12”

I have seen specimens this almost big in a 250 gallon tank.

Haven’t studied there diet extensively, but feeder gold fish were used by the friends of mine that kept them.

Regards,

Scott

[Bojinx]

I kept Red Bellies exclusively for over 8 years, before i turned to saltwater. I fed feeder fish exclusively, from guppies to rosy's to goldfish depending on the size of the piranha. They are best kept in schools and to reduce injury during feeding, it is best to feed a bunch of smaller feeders than to feed fish that will need to be bitten a few times. Some think it is fun to watch them feed on, and tear up, a larger feeder, but with a school of fish, the injury to other tankmates is unavoidable. I knew people who fed rat pups to their red bellies, but i never did. It always seemed rather messy to me, and I would rather keep a stockpile of small feeder fish than have to worry about water quality after every feeding.

As for your other question, S. nattereri max out at @12"

[Freshwaterguy1313]

Well You guys really helped me. Thanx for all of that. I appreciate all of the help. I hope in the future I can help some of you. Once again THANX