Violet Line Piranha 3"-4"(Serrasalmus Geryi)

Scientific Name:
Serrasalmus geryi (Jegu and Dos Santos 1988)

Common Names:
Geryi Piranha, Violet Line Piranha.

Range:
Brazil: Rio Araguaia.

Maximum Size:
Serrasalmus Geryi take a long time to grow usually 1" per year but, can reach up to 30cm. (12"). Specimens over 10" in length are very rare in the home aquarium.

Body Characteristics:
The Geryi Piranha has a brighly shining silver colored body. The coloration turns darker towards the upper body. The most striking feature of this very pretty species is the violet to purple line running from the base of the dorsal fin to the tip of the upper jaw. This line is not visible when viewed from the side. The pectoral and ventral fins are colorless. All other fins are light grey, and the anal fin has a dark base. The tail fin is dark, with a white vertical band in the middle. The eyes are reddish.

Distinctive/unique features:

• Purple/black stripe running from nose to base of the tail fin.
• Laterally compressed body.
• Humeral spot.
• Orange to red eyes.

  

   

• Tank:
  Juveniles and sub-adults can be kept in a tank measuring 32x14". When they reach a size of 4-6", a 40" long and 18" deep tank is more suitable to provide enough space to move and turn freely. Adult fish need a tank of at least 48x18x18".
  When kept in a group, the tank should be at least 20" deep and 60" long (for 3-4 specimen: an additional 8" of length is adviced for each extra fish).
  
  Compatible Species:
  This species is considered fairly peaceful, compared to most other Serrasalmus-species, although it can be very nasty and agressive fish as well. Even though most people keep this species alone in a tank, shoaling is possible, given the right circumstances (enough tank space, adequate filtration, sufficient hiding places, balanced diet).

   

  

• Diet:

• S. Geryi accepts most food items other piranha's eat, like fish (frozen fish, fillets and live feeders), shrimp and other crustaceans, and insects. Sometimes this fish will refuse to eat non-living food items. 
  
  Comments:
  Serrasalmus Geryi is a very rare Piranha and not available all the time. They are seasonal and available usually once a year.  There have been years that none have been available for export out of Brazil and, when they are availble, they are usually in very limited numbers.