How to Identify Serrasalmidae

Key Identification Features

• It has a distinctly rhombus-shaped body, with solid colouration ranging from grey to nearly black.
• Juveniles have a distinct red chest and stomach, which makes them easily confused with the carnivorous red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri).
• The two species can be distinguished by their teeth: Piaractus brachypomus has molar-like teeth.
• The largest tambaqui caught by rod-and-reel and recognized by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) weighed 32.

For instant identification in the field, use the iNature app — AI-powered, works offline.