A piranha or piraña (/pɨˈrɑːnʲə/, /pɨˈrænʲə/, or /pɨˈrɑːnə/; Portuguese: [piˈɾɐ̃ɲɐ], Spanish: [piˈɾaɲa]) 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, powerful jaws, and voracious appetite for meat.