How to Safely Swim with Piranhas

Author Info

Last Updated: October 23, 2024 References

Piranhas, the "wolves of the water," are known for their ability to strip an animal to the bone in mere seconds. They aren't actually as dangerous to humans as you'd think, especially if you swim with them during the wet season, when they have plenty of food. Still, South American shoals of piranhas can be dangerous when food is scarce. If you're going to take a dip in the Amazon, read on to see how you can swim peacefully with piranhas.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Steps

Download Article

Piranhas are freshwater fish and live only in South America (although occasionally a stray pet piranha turns up in a river elsewhere). Residing almost exclusively in still or slow-moving streams or lakes, they usually die in cold water.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Avoid swimming with piranhas in the dry season. Piranhas are usually mild-mannered and skittish. They rarely, if ever, attack a much larger animal unless they are starving. Food supplies are at their lowest during the dry season (which lasts from around April to September), when water levels fall dramatically and food is less plentiful, so avoid entering piranha-infested waters during these times.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you're in doubt about whether the dry season is still underway, ask local residents if it's safe to swim.
- Be wary of ponds that seem to be a product of the movements of a river. Rivers slowly move back and forth and often shrink and grow with the rain, leaving temporary ponds behind. Fish in these waters are isolated from other water sources and are essentially condemned to death; they could jump and attack you out of sheer desperation if you stand close enough.
Advertisement
3
Wait until night to enter the water. If, during the dry season, you must venture into water inhabited by piranhas, wait until darkness before attempting to traverse without a boat. Piranhas hunt in the day and sleep at night.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- If awakened from their slumber while it's dark, piranhas will generally flee, but it's safest not to disturb them.
- Remember that other predators, such as caimans, are more active at night. If attempting to cross a waterway with a diversity of organisms, the dangers of traveling at night may far outweigh the benefits.
4
Stay out of the water if you have an open, bleeding cut. Piranhas sense blood in the water and are more likely to attack a larger animal if they think it's wounded.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- You should also avoid carrying raw meat into the water, and wash your hands before entering if you have recently handled raw meat. (Don't wash where piranhas reside).
- Steer clear of waters below bird nesting areas, docks where fish are gutted, and garbage dumps; you don't want the piranhas to associate you with the blood that could come from these sources.
Recent studies suggest that desperate piranhas are attracted more by activity than by blood. When crossing water, minimize your movement and swim or walk with smooth, fluid motions. Avoid talking, and don't use flashlights or lanterns when night-crossing.^{[6]
X
Research source}
As a last-ditch effort, try to create a diversion by releasing an animal carcass or a substantial quantity of raw meat downstream from your desired crossing point. Should such action become necessary, keep in mind that piranhas can strip animals to the bone in a matter of minutes or even seconds, so you'll want to cross very quickly before they sense you.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What should I do if a piranha bites me?

Community Answer

Clean the wound and see a doctor as soon as possible in the event of a piranha bite.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 29 Helpful 146
Question

Is there more than one type of piranha?

Community Answer

Yes, there are around sixty species.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 14 Helpful 73
Question

How many minutes does it take a piranha to strip a human to the bone?

Community Answer

According to Ray Owczarzak, assistant curator of fishes at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, it would probably take 300 to 500 piranhas five minutes to strip the flesh off a 180-pound human.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 23 Helpful 125

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Tips

It is not uncommon for local people (and tourists) to swim among piranhas. The fact is, except during lean times, piranhas are no more dangerous than other comparably-sized fish.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 1
There are several varieties of piranhas, but most reside in South America. Some related fish are often mistaken for piranhas, such as the peaceful, non-dangerous pacu.

Thanks
Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
While people may fear being eaten by piranhas, in reality the situation is reversed. Piranhas are often a delicious and popular food where they are found.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Piranhas are but one of many perils to be found in and around the rivers of South America. Exercise caution in these areas, and get a knowledgeable local guide if possible.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
Make no mistake, a shoal of hungry piranhas can inflict serious injury or death. While their reputation is exaggerated, you must still respect these fish and take care to avoid them during the dangerous times of the year.

Thanks
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 3