AssetID: 52934257
Headline: Chester Jaws! Piranhas Back At Zoo For First Time In 30 Years
Caption: Red-bellied piranhas have returned Chester Zoo - the first time the bitey fish has been residents in more than 30 years. The zoo’s fish specialists say they hope the arrival of 40 piranhas will help them to dispel some myths and soften piranhas' frightening reputation. Piranhas have a reputation for viscously attacking unsuspecting prey, as depicted in numerous blockbuster movies, but experts say they in fact favour scavenging for food over hunting. Scientists have also highlighted the key role the fish play in sustaining stable underwater ecosystems. Hannah Thomas, Aquarium Team Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Piranhas have never had the most darling of reputations and Hollywood certainly hasn’t done them any favours”. “The narrative that’s been unfairly attached to them is one of a brutal predator with a fearsome reputation, but that’s certainly not the case - they’re very much misunderstood. “Indeed we hope the arrival of the piranhas here at the zoo will help us to start to dispel some of these myths”. “While they are meat-eaters with sharp teeth that will sometimes give a nip to the fins and tails of other fish a good portion of their diet comes from hoovering up bits of dead flesh and dead fish found in rivers, as well as insects and various plant materials”. “The role they play in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems is key and, without them, many other species that live in the same areas as them would be unable to thrive and survive”. The piranhas, which are native to South America, can now be found inside the zoo’s Spirit of the Jaguar habitat in a special Latin American tank.
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