The red-bellied piranha may have a fearsome reputation, but it is undeserved. As omnivorous foragers, their varied diet consists of plant material, smaller fish, and insects. This adaptability allows them to thrive in the diverse ecosystems of South America. They are frequently depicted in films as attacking unfortunate humans in large, frenzied feeding groups, but this is unrealistic. While they often swim in shoals as defense against larger predators, they do not typically engage in group hunt