Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
piraya

piraya

9.9
A freshwater fish with sharp teeth that eats meat in rivers of South America
  • noun
  • /pɪˈrɑɪə/
  • Specialized
: piraya
  • The piraya is known for its sharp teeth and aggressive behavior, making it a formidable predator in South American rivers.

Examples

  • The lack of differentiation in such a long distance is particularly interesting for Py. piraya, which is a non-migratory species (Fink, 1993; Gomes & Verani, 2003).

    Academic text (2018)

  • For instance, the speciation event that gave rise to Py. piraya and Py. nattereri is an example of dispersal between South American basins.

    Academic text (2018)

  • In Py. piraya, 45% of fishes share the most common haplotype.

    Academic text (2018)

  • In the Amazon River, schools of piraya can often be seen hunting together, displaying their remarkable coordination.

  • Fishermen avoid the waters where piraya are abundant due to their reputation for aggression and ferocity.

Synonyms

piranha
vspiraya
26 5.5

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

is a specific river-dwelling species rather than the general fish type
pirana
vspiraya
  • US
1 8.2

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

is a named river species emphasizing sharp teeth and aggression rather than diet

Surface Forms

piraya singular
pirayas plural

Etymology

Piraya comes from a native South American language where pira meant 'fish' and the ending meant 'tooth', and it is the same root behind the familiar word piranha. So a piraya is literally a 'toothed fish', which fits its sharp teeth and fierce behavior in rivers.