Reproduction

It seems that there is a spawning period before the rainy season in April/May and maybe a second one in the late summer. The color change during the spawning. The red belly gets more intense and the whole Piranha gets slightly lighter. Prior to the spawning the Piranhas get more aggressive and stays that way continue throughout the spawning and for some time after. The pairs defend their spawning territory and prepare a nest not unlike a birds nest.

A large quantity of eggs are laid in the nest. The eggs hatch after two to three days, depending on the water temperature. The breeders protect both the eggs and their brood.

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