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Posts: 1
From:UK
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 01-09-2003 02:37 PM            

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I have had loads of conflicting advice about how many red bellied piranha I can keep in a tank 36inches X 12inches X 15inches.
The local pet shop seems to reckon you could happily keep 6 and they will only grow to 5-6 inches in size. Some books say this size tank will hold 2 adults. Some other books say that a tank this size should not be used at all.

Would apreciate some advice from someone with experience!

Thanks

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Posts: 53
From:
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 01-09-2003 03:57 PM            

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Interesting question you bring up. I remember seeing some old aquarium books that said piranhas only grow 6 inches and pacus only grow 4 inches!!! WEll that is all shibby. As for you LFS, they will tell you anything to sell a fish. So here is what you need to know and find out. What species of piranha you are buying and what size does it grow in the wild. Redbelly's grow over a foot long in the wild. In the aquarium (55g or larger) they grow about 10-12 inches. You can keep 1 red-belly in that tank of yours and probably keep it healthy for part of its life. It may only grow 8 inches. But why keep it in such a small tank when you can really enjoy it at near full size? If you buy an S. rhombeus, then you have no problems other than just keeping one in the tank. I won't grow its full size in your lifetime (which is about 18 inches).

Hope this helps.

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Posts: 11
From:
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 01-11-2003 04:49 PM         

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I say go with 5 if money isn't an issue. If the get too big sell a few, and if they die...its just a fish...eat it, or let hsi friends eat him...it will save you money on food.

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