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Piranha

Terrible Teeth: Piranhas are known for their sharp, pointed teeth and sharklike feeding frenzies, but the threat to humans is largely exaggerated. Although the piranha is usually small (the red piranha grows no longer than 13 inches), their teeth are set in powerful jaws, and top and bottom teeth interlock, giving the freshwater fish its ability to tear and rip flesh.

Insects to Horses: Victims are usually animals smaller than themselves such as insects, aquatic invertebrates and other fish, although attacks on animals as large as horses have been witnessed. There are no confirmed reports of piranhas killing a human, but these fish do scavenge on human carcasses.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Slicing Through Steel: The piranha's razor-sharp teeth are built for rapid puncturing and sheering. They're so tough they can bite through a steel fishing hook.

Strictly Carnivorous?: There are between 30 and 40 species of piranha, and not all are strictly carnivorous. In fact, some consume large quantities of seeds.

How Stuff Works

Can Piranha Strip a Cow To the Bone In Under a Minute?
Is this feared freshwater fish's reputation for being able to strip a large mammal to the bone in less than a minute fact or fantasy? Find out at HowStuffWorks.com.