Manueli Piranha (3-3.5”)

Scientific Name: Serrasalmus manueli

Maximum Size & Lifespan:

• Can reach up to 14-18" in Length. Usually 12-14" in captivity

• Lifespan in captivity is typically 12–15 years with excellent care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• A minimum of 180 gallons (1,100+ liters) for a single adult, due to its size, swimming needs, and aggression level. Juveniles can be raised in 40-90 gallon tank for better observation

• Aquarium should be long and wide rather than just tall, as these fish are active swimmers.

Water Changes & Care:

• Perform 30–40% water changes weekly/biweekly to maintain excellent water quality — this species is sensitive to deteriorating conditions.

• Maintain stable parameters:

  • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

  • pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic preferred)

• Provide strong filtration and moderate current to mimic river flow.

• Decorate with driftwood, root tangles, and sturdy plants (though plants may be uprooted), leaving plenty of open swimming space.

Tankmates:

• Must be kept alone — S. manueli is highly aggressive and unpredictable, especially as it matures.
  

• There is a chance for mixing them with fast moving fish like exodons, giant danios, etc. (This must be done with caution and don't be surprised if some/all get eaten

• Not suitable for community setups.

Diet:

• Obligate carnivore. In the wild, feeds on fish, crustaceans, and occasionally small mammals or birds entering the water.

• In captivity, offer a varied, protein-rich diet:

  • Frozen shrimp and tilapia
    

  • Its possible to train them to eat sinking carnivore pellets or hikari food sticks. This takes time and multiple attempts with no guarantee they will switch to prepared foods 

• Feed 2–3 times per week for adults to prevent obesity; juveniles can be fed 5-6 times per week

Overview:
The Manueli Piranha is one of the most powerful and aggressive piranhas known, notable for its massive size and eye and deep red cheeks. It is not recommended for beginner aquarists due to its extreme aggression, large tank requirements, and specialized care needs. While stunning in appearance, it demands respect and a dedicated setup to thrive.

Natural Environment:

• Native to the upper Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia.

• Found in slow- to moderate-flow sections of rivers, flooded forests, and lagoons.

• Water is typically warm, soft, and tannin-stained from decaying vegetation.

Breeding:

• Extremely rare in captivity; almost all specimens in the trade are wild-caught.

• Breeding behavior is not well-documented, but likely similar to other piranhas: seasonal spawning during the wet season, with males guarding the eggs in shallow, vegetated areas.

• Successful captive breeding would require an enormous tank, seasonal water chemistry changes, and precise environmental cues — no confirmed large-scale success is reported in home aquaria.