10 Animal Myths You Always Believed And What's Actually True

2. The Fierce Reputation of the Piranha

Piranhas have been portrayed as ferocious man-eaters capable of stripping a cow to the bone in mere minutes. This image, perpetuated by films and sensationalist media, is largely exaggerated. While piranhas do have sharp teeth and can be aggressive, they are primarily scavengers and opportunistic feeders. In their natural habitat, they play a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem by consuming dead and dying fish. Human attacks are extremely rare and usually occur when the fish feel threatened or are protecting their young. Understanding the piranha's true nature helps dispel the myth of their supposed savagery.