Wimple Piranha Care Guide
Catoprion mento is a small serrasalmid specialised as a scale-eater (lepidophage), with a distinctive underbite for stripping scales from other fish.
Overview
Catoprion mento, the wimple piranha, is a small serrasalmid and the type species of its genus, described originally by Cuvier in 1819. It is a specialised scale-eater that uses powerful dentition and a pronounced underbite to strip scales from other fish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Serrasalmidae
- Genus: Catoprion
- Scientific name: Catoprion mento
- Order: Characiformes
Habitat
The species ranges across the Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo and upper Paraguay River basins in tropical South America. FishBase describes it as a freshwater, pelagic fish of acidic waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
Catoprion mento is a carnivore with a specialised lepidophagous (scale-eating) habit, observed feeding on the scales of other fish. FishBase places it at a trophic level around 3.2. Its powerful dentition can inflict serious bites.
Compatibility
Because it strips scales from tankmates, this aggressive middle-water fish is incompatible with other species and is best kept alone. Mixing with any other fish should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. FishBase notes high resilience with a population doubling time of less than 15 months.