Do piranhas eat humans?

While the myth of the man-eating piranha belongs to movie theaters, the Internet has a wealth of mysterious footage of piranha packs taking down capybaras. Some piranhas do occasionally eat small mammals, but as with humans, it’s usually when the unfortunate animal is already dead or gravely injured. read more

Legend has it that piranhas gather in predatory shoals and can strip human beings to the bone and eat them alive. The yellow-bellied piranha has a horrific appearance, with a mouth packed full of canines 4 millimeters long, which, like sharks, are constantly replaced when lost or worn down. read more

Tales of piranhas devouring hapless humans have circulated for many years but are largely fictional; however, they are not great aquarium fish. Tales of piranhas devouring hapless humans have circulated for many years but are largely fictional; however, they are not great aquarium fish. read more

But fatal attacks are quite rare; attacks are normally limited to small but painful nips to the hands and feet. The fish does have powerful jaws and sharp teeth and is a formidable predator--but to other fish, not humans. The fact is that hungry piranha will bite almost anything, even other piranhas. read more