Black Mask Pike Piranha (Serrasalmus elongatus)

Scientific Name: Serrasalmus elongatus

Common Name: Black Mask Pike Piranha

Family: Serrasalmidae

Order: Characiformes

Native Habitat: The Black Mask Pike Piranha (Serrasalmus elongatus) is found in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. These piranhas inhabit slow-moving, murky waters, often with abundant submerged vegetation and fallen trees. They prefer water temperatures between 75°F and 82°F (24°C to 28°C), with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The species thrives in soft to moderately hard water, with slightly acidic conditions.

Physical Characteristics

Size: Black Mask Pike Piranhas are known for their impressive size, growing up to 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) in length in captivity. In their native habitats, they may reach slightly larger sizes depending on food availability and water quality.

Appearance: This species is named for the distinctive black markings around the gill covers, which resemble a "mask." Their body is long, slender, and pike-shaped, with a streamlined build that helps them chase prey. The overall coloration is silver to grey with a dark mask pattern that contrasts against the lighter body. The face, gill region, and sometimes the body, are marked with these dark patches, adding to their striking appearance.

Fins and Tail: The Black Mask Pike Piranha features a prominent, slightly curved dorsal fin located toward the rear of the body. The pectoral fins are located high and allow for quick changes in direction while swimming. The caudal fin is forked, providing excellent propulsion, allowing the piranha to chase its prey quickly. The anal fin is muscular, giving the fish excellent stability during high-speed swimming.

Behavior and Ecology

Feeding Habits: Like all piranhas, the Black Mask Pike Piranha is carnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, invertebrates, and occasionally plant material. Their sharp teeth and strong jaws make them efficient predators. In the wild, they hunt in small groups or as solitary hunters, attacking prey that comes within their reach. In captivity, they should be fed a diet rich in protein, such as live or frozen fish, shrimp, and other meaty foods. High-quality carnivore pellets can also be offered, though they should be supplemented with fresh foods.

Social Behavior: The Black Mask Pike Piranha is generally less aggressive than other piranha species but can be territorial and protective of its space, especially in smaller aquariums. They are best kept in groups of at least 3-5 individuals, which helps reduce aggression and allows them to exhibit natural schooling behavior. They can be housed with other large, robust species that are not small enough to be considered prey. Smaller fish should be avoided, as they may be seen as food.

Reproduction: In the wild, Black Mask Pike Piranhas spawn during the rainy season when food availability is high, and water levels rise. They lay their eggs on submerged surfaces such as rocks, and both the male and female guard the eggs and newly hatched fry. Breeding this species in captivity is challenging, but with proper care, optimal water conditions, and a high-protein diet, successful breeding can occur. The fish may require slightly warmer water to encourage spawning.

Care and Maintenance in Captivity

Aquarium Setup: The Black Mask Pike Piranha requires a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space, at least 75 gallons (284 liters) for a single adult fish. If kept in a group, the tank size should be larger to accommodate their territorial nature and provide enough space for swimming. The aquarium should feature rocks, driftwood, and other hiding spots to allow the fish to feel secure. Strong filtration is crucial to maintain good water quality, as these fish produce significant waste. The aquarium should be kept clean and well-oxygenated.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
• pH: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (6-12 dGH)
• Filtration: Strong filtration is essential, as the Black Mask Pike Piranha is sensitive to poor water conditions. Regular water changes and good aeration are important to maintain a healthy environment.

Tankmates: While the Black Mask Pike Piranha is less aggressive than some other piranhas, it is still a predatory species. It should be housed with large, robust fish that are capable of defending themselves. Suitable tankmates include other large carnivorous fish, such as large catfish or cichlids. Avoid housing this piranha with small, peaceful fish, as they may be seen as prey. Similarly, overly aggressive species should also be avoided to prevent stress and aggression in the tank.

Diet in Captivity: The Black Mask Pike Piranha requires a high-protein diet. Offer a variety of live or frozen foods, such as fish, shrimp, and worms. In addition to fresh foods, high-quality carnivore pellets or flakes can be provided but should be supplemented with live food sources. Overfeeding should be avoided to prevent water quality issues, and regular feeding schedules should be maintained.

Unique Traits

Distinctive Mask: One of the most striking features of the Black Mask Pike Piranha is its black "mask" pattern around the face and gill covers. This gives the fish a unique and captivating appearance, which makes it a desirable addition to large, specialized aquariums.

Pike-like Body Shape: Unlike many other piranhas, the Black Mask Pike Piranha has a long, slender body, resembling a pike rather than the more rounded bodies of typical piranhas. This streamlined form helps the fish swim quickly and efficiently, making it a skilled predator in the wild.

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: The Black Mask Pike Piranha (Serrasalmus elongatus) is not listed as endangered, but like many species in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, it faces threats from habitat destruction, water pollution, and overfishing. Protecting these critical ecosystems is vital to preserving the biodiversity of the region and ensuring the continued survival of species like the Black Mask Pike Piranha.

In Summary

The Black Mask Pike Piranha (Serrasalmus elongatus) is a beautiful and agile predator with a distinctive "mask" marking around its face. This species thrives in spacious aquariums with well-maintained water conditions and a high-protein diet. While they are less aggressive than other piranha species, Black Mask Pike Piranhas are best kept with other large, robust fish and should not be housed with small or peaceful species. With proper care, they make an impressive addition to a large freshwater aquarium.