What happens when you fall into piranha-infested waters? - Antonio Machado-Allison

TED-Ed・2 minutes read

There are over 30 species of piranhas in South America with unique diets; red-bellied piranhas live in groups for protection, not hunting cooperatively, and rarely attack humans unless provoked, during mating, or guarding eggs, with feeding frenzies being uncommon.

Insights

  • Red-bellied piranhas live in groups primarily for protection rather than hunting in cooperation. Larger individuals occupy central positions within the group for safety.
  • Instances of red-bellied piranhas attacking humans are rare and typically happen when they feel threatened, hungry, or disturbed during mating or egg-guarding, with feeding frenzies being sensationalized and infrequent.

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Recent questions

  • Are piranhas dangerous to humans?

    Piranhas rarely attack humans unless provoked.

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Summary

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Piranhas: Myths vs. Reality

  • There are over 30 species of piranhas living in the fresh waters of South America, each with unique dietary habits ranging from omnivorous diets to specific predilections for certain types of food.
  • Red-bellied piranhas, commonly depicted as aggressive, actually live in groups for protection rather than cooperative hunting, with larger individuals taking central positions for safety.
  • Red-bellied piranhas rarely attack humans unless provoked, with instances of aggression usually occurring when they feel threatened, hungry, or disturbed during mating or guarding their eggs. Feeding frenzies are extremely rare, often sensationalized, and not a common occurrence.
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