Red Spilo (Serrasalmus sanchezi)

Scientific Name: Serrasalmus sanchezi

Common Name: Red Spilo, Sanchez's Piranha

Family: Serrasalmidae

Order: Characiformes

Native Habitat: The Red Spilo is native to the freshwater rivers and streams of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. These fish are typically found in slow-moving waters with plenty of cover such as submerged rocks, fallen branches, and dense vegetation. They prefer warm, slightly acidic to neutral water, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C), and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. They thrive in waters with moderate to high oxygen levels.

Physical Characteristics

Size: The Red Spilo is a medium-sized piranha species that typically reaches lengths of 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in captivity. In the wild, they can grow slightly larger, but their growth rate depends on food availability and environmental conditions.

Appearance: The Red Spilo is an attractive fish with a vibrant red and silver color pattern. Their body is elliptical, with a slightly flattened shape, typical of many piranha species. The coloration varies from a silvery base to a reddish hue on the underside and fins, which gives them their name. They are covered with small, smooth scales and have large, sharp teeth that are used for tearing through their prey. Their robust and muscular body gives them a powerful look.

Fins and Tail: The Red Spilo’s dorsal fin is medium-sized, sitting towards the back of the body, and is slightly rounded. The pectoral fins are positioned high on the body, allowing for agility, while the caudal (tail) fin is forked, providing powerful propulsion for fast movements. Their anal fin is well-developed and helps with balance while swimming.

Behavior and Ecology

Feeding Habits: The Red Spilo is a carnivorous predator. In the wild, they primarily feed on smaller fish, invertebrates, and occasionally plant matter. Their sharp, triangular teeth are adapted for grasping and cutting through prey. In captivity, they should be fed a diet high in protein, such as live or frozen fish, shrimp, and other meaty foods. High-quality pellets designed for carnivorous fish can also be used as part of their diet.

Social Behavior: Unlike some piranha species, the Red Spilo is generally not as aggressive, but it can still exhibit territorial and predatory behaviors. They can be kept with other similarly sized and non-aggressive fish, though they may become aggressive during feeding times or when they feel threatened. They are best housed with other robust species that can defend themselves. It is recommended to keep them in schools of 3-5 individuals, but they can also be kept as a solitary fish in a larger tank.

Reproduction: Red Spilo piranhas typically spawn during the rainy season when water levels rise and food is more abundant. They lay their eggs on submerged surfaces, and the male and female work together to guard the eggs and the young. In captivity, breeding can be challenging, but it is possible with proper water conditions and care. Maintaining clean water, appropriate temperature, and a diet high in protein is crucial for encouraging breeding in a well-established aquarium.

Care and Maintenance in Captivity

Aquarium Setup: The Red Spilo requires a spacious tank, ideally at least 75 gallons (284 liters), due to its active nature and potential size. The aquarium should include hiding places such as rocks, caves, and driftwood to provide the fish with security and reduce stress. A strong filtration system is essential to keep the water clean, as these fish are known to produce a lot of waste. Plants can be included, but they should be hardy and well-established, as the Red Spilo may uproot or damage delicate plants.

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: A powerful filtration system is crucial to maintain water quality, as these fish are prone to waste buildup. Regular water changes and high oxygenation are also important to keep the Red Spilo healthy and thriving.

Tankmates: The Red Spilo can be housed with other large, robust fish that are not small enough to be considered prey. They do well with other medium to large-sized carnivores, such as cichlids, larger catfish, or other piranha species. It is important to avoid keeping them with peaceful or small fish, as the Red Spilo may attack them. It is also advisable to avoid mixing them with overly aggressive species that could stress or injure the Red Spilo.

Diet in Captivity: The Red Spilo is a carnivore and requires a protein-rich diet. It should be fed a variety of live or frozen foods, such as fish, shrimp, and worms. High-quality carnivore pellets can also be offered to provide balanced nutrition. Regular feeding should be done, but overfeeding should be avoided to prevent water quality issues. As with most piranhas, they will exhibit heightened aggression around feeding time.

Unique Traits

Coloration: The Red Spilo stands out for its vibrant coloration, with a silvery body that transitions into red hues along its underside and fins. This stunning appearance makes it a highly sought-after species in the aquarium trade. Its colors are often more pronounced in a well-maintained aquarium with optimal water conditions.

Teeth: As with all piranhas, the Red Spilo has sharp, triangular teeth that are perfect for slicing through meat. These teeth are part of its predatory nature, helping it hunt and consume prey in the wild. While the Red Spilo is less aggressive than other piranha species, its teeth still give it an intimidating appearance.

Conservation Status

IUCN Status: The Red Spilo (Serrasalmus sanchezi) is not currently listed as endangered. However, like many species in the Amazon River Basin, it faces potential threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and overfishing. Deforestation and water contamination from agricultural and industrial activities are impacting the ecosystem. Conservation efforts focused on preserving these habitats are essential for maintaining the population of Red Spilo in the wild.

In Summary

The Red Spilo (Serrasalmus sanchezi) is a stunning and dynamic species of piranha known for its vibrant coloration and predatory behavior. While they are less aggressive than some other piranhas, they still require careful management and attention in the aquarium. They need a spacious tank, strong filtration, and a diet high in protein. When housed in the right conditions, the Red Spilo can be a fascinating and beautiful addition to a large freshwater aquarium.