A piranha or piraña ( /pɨˈrɑːnʲə/, /pɨˈrænʲə/, or /pɨˈrɑːnə/}; Portuguese: [piˈɾɐ̃ɲɐ]) is a member of family Characidae in order Characiformes, an omnivorous freshwater fish that inhabits South American rivers. In Venezuela, they are called caribes. They are known for their sharp teeth and a voracious appetite for meat.