Piranhas

[Mboehm13]

how many red bellied pirhanas should I put in my 55gal? Do they have any compatible tank mates?

 

[Crepe]

I'm sorry, where are you from?

The short answer is none.

The long answer is:
Piranha are schooling fish. They need to be kept in groups of at least 5-6. They get to 10inches long. No fish 10 inches long and as active as piranha can be put in to a 55 gallon tank. Some subspecies of piranha get much larger, up to two feet long. Next piranha are probably illegal to have in your state. Check here: http://www.opefe.com/images/Prohib_P.jpg

 

[Mboehm13]

Illinios. I have heard from multiple sources that keeping pirhanas in schools of more than 4 can bring out aggressive behavior. My friend has a 55 gal with 3 red bellieds and a Pleco an has ha them for 4 years now

 

[Crepe]

You can't keep any. His fish are probably stunted and probably will have reduced life expectancies. Yes, schooling will make them more aggressive but they will also be living in a more natural setting. Additionally, it's not a problem for people who keep large schools of piranha because they actually have suitable tanks for them: 300 gallons and up. I think you should tell your friend this information as well. Call it bollocks, I don't care, if you're set on piranha go for it. I can't stop you. Karma is great though.

 

[Crepe]

Sorry for being so rude. I just realized: what species of piranha are you planning on keeping? That might make it okay...some of them stay pretty small.

 

[Big-j]

He said red bellied, correct me if I'm wrong but I think those get fairly large

 

[Crepe]

He said red bellied, correct me if I'm wrong but I think those he fairly large

Ah okay oops, I'm a tad scattered brained. Anyways, no, no RBPs belong in a 55gallon. Check out Piranha irritans if you are set on piranha. Expect to pay a pretty penny for them though.