* more feared than the piranha

                * Considered illegal for private ownership in many states including
                       Texas, California, and Florida.

                * The freshwater species is considered the most harmful in states
                        with warm rivers due to the possible chance of release into the wild.
                        The water conditions are perfect for survival and reproduction of
                               this particular species.

                * have a lenthwise groove filled with venom- producing tissue on t
                                the underside

                * though a small mouth also have a strong bite

                * If stung with the spines, though not fatal, the wound would be very 
                        painful and could have possible swelling for a week.

                * When spines are discharged, immediately new ones replace the lost
                              ones.

                * Spines are barbed; therefore, if stung, the spines would be difficult
                        to have removed.