Piranhas are small, freshwater fish that live mainly in the Amazon River basin, as well as in slow-moving rivers, streams and lakes throughout much of South America. They are best known for their sharp teeth and reputation for being vicious predators, but there is more to piranhas than their reputation. Most people don’t realize that piranhas can actually play an important role in the delicate underwater ecosystem. These small fish typically swim in large schools that help maintain a healthy underwater community. For example, piranhas are natural scavengers that enjoy feasting on decaying plants and animals. This removal of dead and unhealthy material helps keep the waters clean and helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. In addition to their role in the environment, piranhas make fantastic pets! They are typically quite skittish, so they can’t be handled. But they provide hours of entertainment as they dart around their tank and display their beautiful array of colors. As long as their diet and tank are cared for well, they can be quite hardy and live up to 10 years in captivity. Overall, piranhas have a bad reputation, but they can be quite interesting and rewarding pets when cared for properly. They are amazing scavengers that play an important role in keeping their environment clean, and can be delightful to watch.