[1] It is a rare South American characiform fish found in the Orinoco River basin, rivers of the northern and eastern Guiana Shield, and tributaries of the lower Amazon River.

[2] Like other piranhas, it is found in freshwater,[1] with specimens of this species typically found in acidic clearwater or blackwater environments.

Despite their ferocious reputation, many piranhas have broader diets;[1] this species usually feeds on aquatic insects, small fish, and fruits.

[4] Within the family Serrasalmidae, P. denticulata is more closely related to Catoprion than it is to the majority of species traditionally considered true piranhas.

[4] P. denticulata grows to about 20.0 cm (7.9 in) in total length.