FROM FRANK MAGALLANES

The OPEFE web site and its contents; is disclaimed for purposes of Zoological Nomenclature in accordance with the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, Fourth Edition, Article 8.3 and 8.4. No new names or nomenclature changes are available from statements at this web site.

ETHICS FOR KEEPING LIVE PIRANHAS

Live piranha SHOULD NOT be released in non-native waters, including outdoor ponds or pools, whether enclosed or not. Piranha should be humanely euthanized, rather than being released in non-native waters or flushed down the toilet. The public and in particular hobbyist/aquarist, should be thoroughly educated on the proper care of piranhas, including disposal. Obey State regulatory laws on piranha possession, whether it be importing, exporting or keeping as aquarium pets. Ignorance of the State laws is no excuse. Report anyone to authorities that deliberately releases pet fish into non-native waters. If you are not sure if owning piranhas is legal in your State, read the information below by clicking the appropriate link.

CARE OF PIRANHAS

Live fish, including parts (fins and chunks of flesh) is a normal piranha diet in the wild, as is fruit and seeds. Chunks of steak, hot dogs, chicken, baloney, ham, gold fish etc., are not.

a) Captive piranha (in the aquarium) regardless of species do not require live fish for proper feeding or nutrition.

b) Piranha in the aquarium can be conditioned to eat non-living food items. This is strongly encouraged to prevent disease and parasite transfection which is a common occurrence with live fish feeding.

c) There is some educational value in showing videos of feeding live fish to piranha in their natural habitat (scientific research). However, there have been many videos (ie., youtube.com) released on the internet (hobbyist) that are showing piranha feeding on live mice, fishes, snakes, etc., strictly for entertainment value. This is not ethical or educational in my opinion.

PHOTOS

One last pet peeve I have and a very important one, OPEFE has many images here, all have credit named on the photographs. Oftentimes, if you just ask the owner of the image for permission to use a photo, you will  often get a yes. All  you have to do is add a credit line so that everyone knows the photo is not your property. Case in point is this photo, owned by Natures Images (click here). This image has been around for a very long time and some people claim ownership of it or use it without permission. Please don't misuse copyright.

Enjoy your visit and please help stamp out the man-eating image of the piranha...Educate people!

Please do not release unwanted pet fish