Serrasalmus elongatus is a slender and elongated shaped piranha

Piranha

A piranha or piraña is a member of family Characidae in order Characiformes, an omnivorous freshwater fish that inhabits South American rivers. In Venezuela, they are called caribes...

 from the S. humeralis group. It is commonly known as Elongated Piranha or Pike Piranha in reference to its shape. In its native range it is one of the smaller piranha species

Species

In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...

 locally termed caribe pinche ("mediocre piranha"), like the Iridescent Piranha (S. irritans). This term gave rise to various trade names, like "Pingke Piranha" and "Serrasalmus pinke" which is not a proper scientific name.

Adult S. elongatus are found in deep, white water and juveniles are in usually shallow black waters of lagoons.

In the aquarium

Serrasalmus elongatus are notorious fin biters and should be kept in its own tank.