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Glite Dictionary
Serrasalmus

Serrasalmus

1 9.9
A type of South American freshwater fish like a piranha with sharp teeth
  • noun
  • /ˌsɛrəˈsɑlməs/
  • Specialized
: Serrasalmus
  • The Serrasalmus is a fierce predator known for its sharp teeth and aggressive behavior in freshwater habitats.

Examples

  • Serrasalmus or whatever it was, it couldn't live in the ocean.

    Piranha II: The Spawning (1982)

  • Aquarists often choose the Serrasalmus for their tanks due to their striking appearance and predatory nature.

  • In the Amazon River, the Serrasalmus can often be seen hunting in schools, creating a frenzy among smaller fish.

Synonyms

piranha
vsSerrasalmus
26 5.5

A small fish in South American rivers with sharp teeth that eats meat and can attack animals

is the taxonomic group name rather than a general descriptive term
pirana
vsSerrasalmus
  • US
1 8.2

A small aggressive river fish from South America that eats other animals

is the scientific genus term rather than a vivid description of feeding behavior
genus Serrasalmus
vsSerrasalmus
  • Specialized
9.7

A group of freshwater fish like piranhas that live in South American rivers

focuses on sharp teeth and aggressive predatory behavior rather than classification

Compounds

genus Serrasalmus
  • Specialized
9.7

A group of freshwater fish like piranhas that live in South American rivers

Surface Forms

Serrasalmus singular
Serrasalmi plural

Etymology

Serrasalmus comes from Latin parts serra 'saw' and salmus 'salmon' or 'fish'. So the name is like 'saw-fish', which fits these piranha relatives with sharp, saw-like teeth and a fierce bite.