Pygopristis

Pygopristis
Scientific classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Characiformes
Family: Serrasalmidae
Subfamily: Serrasalminae
Genus: Pygopristis
J. P. Müller & Troschel, 1844
Species:
P. denticulata
Binomial name
Pygopristis denticulata
(G. Cuvier, 1819)
Synonyms
  • Serrasalmus denticulatus
    G. Cuvier, 1819
  • Serrasalmus punctatus
    Jardine, 1841
  • Pygopristis fumarius
    J. P. Müller & Troschel, 1845

Pygopristis denticulata, also known as the lobetoothed piranha, is a species of piranha. It is a rare South American characiform fish found in the Orinoco River basin, rivers of the northern and eastern Guiana Shield, and tributaries of the lower Amazon River. Like other piranhas, it is found in freshwater, with specimens of this species typically found in acidic clearwater or blackwater environments. Despite their ferocious reputation, many piranhas have broader diets; this species feeds on the scales of other fish as juveniles, but transitions to a broader diet of aquatic insects, small fish, and fruits as adults.