Clear Dusky Piranha
Pristobrycon calmoni
A lesser-known piranha relative with serious teeth and surprising longevity.
About
Found in the lower and middle stretches of the Amazon and Orinoco river systems, as well as coastal rivers through Guyana, Pristobrycon calmoni is a serrasalmid, a member of the same family that includes the piranhas, and it carries that heritage in both its dentition and its overall build. It's a moderately sized fish, topping out somewhere between three and a half and six inches depending on conditions, with the deep-bodied, laterally compressed profile typical of its relatives. In the wild it inhabits slow to moderately flowing South American lowland waters, and like other serrasalmids it's built for a carnivorous lifestyle, so a meaty diet is non-negotiable in captivity. Despite its intimidating relatives and those functional teeth, the care level is listed as beginner-accessible, which speaks to its hardiness and tolerance of a reasonable range of water conditions. What's genuinely impressive is the potential lifespan. Up to 18 years is a serious commitment, so this isn't a fish you pick up on impulse. A 75-gallon tank is the starting point, and as with most fish of this type, clean water and a consistent feeding routine will keep it healthy over that long haul.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Clear Dusky Piranha
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Clear Dusky Piranha get?
- The Clear Dusky Piranha reaches about 3.5–6" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Clear Dusky Piranha need?
- A minimum of 75 gallons is recommended for the Clear Dusky Piranha.
- What water parameters does the Clear Dusky Piranha need?
- The Clear Dusky Piranha does best with a temperature of 73–82°F, a pH of 6.5–7.8, hardness around 4–25 dGH.
- What does the Clear Dusky Piranha eat?
- The Clear Dusky Piranha is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Clear Dusky Piranha live?
- With good care, the Clear Dusky Piranha typically lives 12-18 years.