Everything You Need To Know About Piranhas In Peru

Feared by most yet properly understood by little, Piranhas are often made out to be mindless flesh-eating predators.

However is this actually true? Found in different regions of Peru, these small fish may actually surprise you once you properly get to know them.

In this guide we’ll explore everything you need to know about Piranhas, including whether they are really that dangerous. We’ll also answer any burning questions you may have in our FAQ section.

Where Do Piranhas Live In Peru?

Piranhas prefer to live in their optimal water temperature of around 26°C, although they can live in temperatures as low as 15°C. 

This means they are found throughout the Amazon Jungle, which is a giant region that encompasses the east of Peru.

Within Peru we can find Piranhas living within popular regions such as Loreto (where Iquitos is located) as well as within our home of the Madre de Dios region (where we can find both the Tambopata Jungle and Manu National Park).

Are Piranhas Really That Dangerous?

Famed for their predatory instincts and ability to devour anything in their path within seconds – Piranhas are actually one of the most misunderstood fish on the planet.

They are usually calm and swim in groups along the Amazon River. When humans are nearby (such as divers), they are mostly curious just as any other fish would be.

Of course at the scent of blood they can attack, which is where they get their infamous reputation from. However it’s also important to remember that they can be territorial – which can trigger their fight response if they sense a perceived danger. For this reason it’s vital you don’t swim in areas where Piranhas are known to live.

Piranhas In Peru FAQ

Here we’ll now answer some of the most frequent questions we get about the Piranhas in Peru.

What Do Piranhas Eat?

Piranhas can famously eat anything that stands in their way, and they have been known to eat large mammals or dead animals that have fallen into the river. However you’d be surprised to learn that their usual diet consists of worms, mollusks, insects, small fish and even plants!

Are There Piranha Attacks In The Amazon?

There have been some recorded Piranha attacks throughout the Amazon, however they are rare. These usually have occurred when humans have swam in unknown waters, or have inadvertently threatened the Piranhas (a common case is getting bit when trying to take out a fishing hook from its mouth).

What Types Of Piranhas Can We See In The Peruvian Amazon?

Within the Peruvian Amazon we can find all kinds of Piranhas, that vary in both size and are found in a range of bright colors. The most famous is the Red-bellied Piranha which lives throughout this region and in other neighboring countries.

Piranhas In Peru

And that’s all for this guide on what you need to know about Piranhas in Peru.

Marketed as a ferocious predator that ravages anything that enters the Amazon River, Piranhas are also docile creatures that are naturally curious and like to eat plants.

Of course they are still dangerous and attacks on humans have been recorded, so always follow advice from your tour guide when heading out into the Peruvian Amazon.

Looking to spot other animals when in the Tambopata region? Find out what exotic animals you can see on our incredible multi-day jungle tour.