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FROM FRANK MAGALLANES
Ethics for keeping live piranhas:
Live piranhas SHOULD NOT be released in non-native
waters, that includes outdoor ponds or pools, whether enclosed or not.
Piranhas should be humanely euthanized, rather than being released in non-native waters.The
public and in particular hobbyists/aquarists, should be educated on the
proper care of piranhas. 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 in your state is legal, read
this page.
Care of piranhas: Live fish, including parts (fins and
chunks of flesh) are a normal piranha diet in the wild, as is fruit and
seeds. Chunks of steak, hot dogs, chicken, baloney, ham, gold fish
etc., is not!
a) Captive piranhas (in the aquarium) regardless of
species do not need to have live fish for proper care or nutrition.
b) Piranhas 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
feedings.
c) There is some educational value in
showing videos of live feeding fish to piranhas in their natural
habitat (scientific research). However, there has been many videos
(youtube.com) released on the internet (hobbyist) that are showing
piranhas feeding on live mice, fishes, snakes etc., strictly for
entertainment value. That is not ethical or educational in my opinion.
Enjoy your visit and please help stamp out the man-eating
image of the piranha by educating people!
Please do not
release unwanted pet fish
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