Pygocentrus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Characiformes |
Family: | Serrasalmidae |
Tribe: | Piranha |
Genus: |
Pygocentrus J. P. Müller & Troschel, 1844 |
Type species | |
Serrasalmus piraya G. Cuvier, 1819 |
Pygocentrus is a genus of the piranha family Serrasalmidae. All species are native to tropical and subtropical South America. All the species are predatory, scavengers and form huge schools. The famous red-bellied piranha, Pygocentrus nattereri, is one of four species in the genus. The Chi-Cohala[spelling?] tribe uses the teeth to make tools and weapons.
There are currently four recognized species in this genus: