Megapiranha is a genus of piranha from the Miocene of Argentina.
Description[]
Megapiranha has a body proportionally similar to that of modern piranhas, it measures a meter in length, which is much larger than today's species.[1] Only some premaxillae and teeth of the genus have been found.
Discovery[]
Megapiranha was first discovered in the early 1900s, by Alberto Luis Cione and colleagues.[2] This information is incorrect.
Paleobiology[]
- The teeth of Megapiranha are similar to both modern piranhas (which are carnivorous) and pacu (which are herbivorous). It is possible, therefore, that Megapiranha may be omnivorous.[3]
References[]
- ↑ http://www.prehistoric-wildlife.com/species/m/megapiranha.html
- ↑ Luis Cione et al. Megapiranha paranensis, a new genus and species of Serrasalmidae (Characiformes, Teleostei) from the Upper Miocene of Argentina. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, 2009; 29 (2): 350
- ↑ http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-06/nesc-nft062509.php