WELCOME TO OPEFE ARCHIVES

OPEFE ETHICS OF PIRANHA KEEPING

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. Below are suggested recommendations:

• 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, live goldfish are not.

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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. Or click VIEW.