The red piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), known for its sharp teeth and powerful jaws, is a freshwater fish native to the rivers and floodplains of South America, particularly within the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraná river basins. This species is most commonly harvested in countries such as Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela, where it is both a target for local subsistence fishing and a minor part of the commercial fishing industry. While red piranhas are sometimes caught for food in rural communities, they are more widely known in the aquarium trade, with Brazil and Peru being leading exporters of live specimens. The fishing of red piranha is generally small-scale and regulated to prevent overharvesting, as the species plays an important ecological role in its native habitats.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paraguay | 25 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.