The school of piranhas join a host of other exotic and rare creatures, including a two-toed sloth, Burmese python, squirrel monkey, and sugar gliders.

The Green Planet in City Walk is home to over 3,000 plants and animals, the world’s largest indoor man-made and life-sustaining tree, and now 1,000 piranhas will also call this bio-dome home.

You’ve probably only heard scary things about the infamous red-bellied piranha – particularly their razor sharp teeth which are capable of taking chunks of flesh out of anything that crosses its path. Adult red-bellied piranha (meaning ‘fish tooth’) grow up to 30cm long and have a single row of teeth on their upper and lower jaws. Their bite is effective at puncturing and tearing flesh because their teeth are shaped like sharp blades and they interlock when the jaws close – it’s the stuff nightmares – and made-for-TV horror films.

But their bark (yes, these little guys bark!) is worse than their bite.

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And the Green Planet is all set to prove that this species of piranha,  native to South America, are not the tiny monsters that movies make them out to be.

Experts will be available on hand to educate the public and smash some stereotypes on the species.

However, if you’re looking for something you can really sink your teeth into, you can also witness a live feeding frenzy everyday at 4pm.

You can visit them at their new home in the ‘flooded rainforest’ where they will live alongside picturesque motoro rays and the impressive archer fish.

The Green Planet, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 7pm, Thur to Sat 10am to 8pm, Dhs99 for day ticket (Dhs10 off when purchased online). Tel: (04) 317 3999. thegreenplanetdubai.com/en

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Images: Getty and Supplied