Pet Forum / Aquaria / Cichlids / January 2005

I kept one until it outgrew my 75 gallon tank ( 40 cm, almost 2 kilos - but
they do grow bigger ). If you like watching Oscars, watch a Rhombeus eat
sometime. It's like comparing a beagle to a wolf.

They can easily bite off a finger or thumb if you are careless. Taking off a
hand at the wrist would require two bites, but it's possible.

They are NOT suitable for anyone with children, loose birds, or cats in the
house - for obvious reasons. But they are very impressive if you can provide
enough space and food. Like other piranhas, they are pretty boring unless
there is food in the watrer. They just sit in the corner and wait. But when
they see or smell food...

It seems I have to say it again , so here goes ...

Quoting a website :
" Serrasalmus Rhombeus (The Black Piranha). The S.Rhombeus, better known as
the Rhom, is a great fish to keep. They have the pointed features associated
with the Serrasalmus genus leading up to a thick high back under the dorsal
fin. The fish has amazing red eyes, which it is famous for and is a
legendary eater. The S.Rhombeus is not a particularly difficult fish to keep
but must be kept on its own, so if you are looking to keep a solitary fish,
this is your boy. The main reason is that this fish does not mix with any
other fish, including it's own breed. They will attack and kill any other
fish in the tank. Because of this, they are a very popular fish for the
hobbyist to keep but will need large housing due to their size. The fish is
found all over the Amazon and Orinoco waterways and can grow to 22" in
maturity. Again large housing will be needed if the fish is to grow to this
size and an adult S.Rhombeus can easily amputate a human hand at the wrist
in 2 or 3 bites, so be careful. "

Are you sure an Oscar or Red Devils can handle one of these ?

Oscars and Red Devils have smaller teeth and are slower... I've kept all 3
species.
Oscars and other cichlids are more intresting, and more pet-like. But as far
as fighting / eating ability Oscars and Red devils both lose to the black
piranha. Red bellies or other piranha species would be feeders for Red
Devils , true. But not the Rhombeus...

Limnophile

bitch slap you wish....  you've obviously never seen a Red Devil.... an
oscar would be lunch, followed by a two course dinner, consisting of the
tail of your beloved piranha, followed up with a tasty treat consisting of
whatever happens to be left.... LOL

and why are we worried about whos fish will kick whos fish's a.s?? Is it
REALLY that big of a deal?

you kids entertain me.... keep 'em comin....

http://mail.etcvsg.com/ebay/Midas.jpg
14" long
4" wide
11" tall
Mouth is 2" wide

He may not be your black piranha, but he's still one nasty bastard...