Serrasalmus manueli, the Silver piranha or Manuel's piranha, is a species of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the familySerrasalmidae, which includes the pacus, piranhas and related fishes. This species is found in the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers in South America.
Serrasalmus manueli belongs to the genus Serrasalmus, this name combines the Latin serra, meaning "saw", with salmus, from salmo, a "salmon". This is a reference to the serrated ventral keel and the salmon-like adipose fin. The specific name honours the second son of Manuel Vicente Ramírez, Manuel, who died too soon, and who was a companion on the authors expeditions.[4]
Description
Serrasalmus manueli has a maximum standard length of 36cm (14in) and a maximum published weight of 2.5kg (5.5lb).[5] The younger fish are very distinctive, having an elongated body, suggesting that they are quick and agile swimmers. The juveniles have a concave dorsal profile to the head with a long and sharp lower jaw with outsized eyes. These young fish have a greenish tinge on their sides and green vertical bands. As these fish mature the head beomes convex and the largest individuals resemble Pygocentrus rather than Serrasalmus piranhas. The adults have better proportioned eyes and the greenish cast and bands gradually fade, until they disappear completely. Fishes with a length greater than 5 to 7cm (2.0 to 2.8in) have brightly colored gill covers, varying in colour from yellow through orange to deep red, with an obvious black spot on the shoulder, which increases in size as the fish gets older.[6]
Distribution and habitat
Serrasalmus manueli is dound in the basins of the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. This omnivorous, pelagicspecies is found in rivers, creeks and lakes.[1]
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