COLCHESTER Zoo bosses have shared their excitement as another new species has been welcomed to the site.

The Maldon Road attraction has welcomed 22 Red Piranhas (Pygocentrus nattereri).

The shoal is made up of juvenile fish, aged about three-months old. 

Since their arrival, the species has been in quarantine, giving the zoo's animal care team an opportunity to monitor their behaviour and health.

During the quarantine period, they were given prophylactic treatments to ensure they were free of possible diseases, before being transferred into the main exhibit aquarium.

The aquarium the Piranha now call home was cleaned and refurbished to suit their needs prior to their arrival.

Filtration systems were also checked and adjusted to suit, and the water chemistry was tested to provide optimum conditions.

After transferring from the zoo's off-show quarantine facility to their new on-show aquarium, the team acclimatised the fish to their new environment.

This included slowly mixing water into their transport containers, ensuring all of the old and new water parameters matched as closely as possible for a smooth transition, including oxygen levels and temperature.

The shoal's colouration of red bellies, spotted sides and striped tails has now started to show and they are currently eating bloodworm and lance fish.