Morphological and Molecular Evidence Reveals the First Record of the Coral Snake <i>Micrurus filiformis</i> (Serpentes: Elapidae) as Prey of the Piranha <i>Pygocentrus cariba</i> (Teleostei: Serrasalmidae)

Abstract

Coral snakes of the genus Micrurus have been recorded as prey of rapacious birds, some mammals and other snakes, but so far not as prey of fishes. The black spotted piranha, Pygocentrus cariba, is an opportunistic predator that feeds mainly on fishes, occasionally on other vertebrates, but has so far not been reported to prey on snakes. Herein, based on morphological and molecular data (mitochondrial 16S fragment), we report the first case of predation of P. cariba on the coral snake Micrurus filiformis. Additionally, we briefly discuss the significance of this new finding for the diet of P. cariba and comment on the systematics and distribution of M. filiformis.