What is a candiru fish?

Candiru are small, eel-like fish that live in the Amazon River and its tributaries. They are best known for their alleged habit of swimming up the urethra of human bathers and feeding on their blood. While this behavior has been reported, it is rare and there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that candiru can actually enter the human body through the urethra.

Candiru are typically found in warm, shallow waters with a high concentration of aquatic plants. They can grow up to 12 inches long and have a slender, cylindrical body with a pointed head. Their skin is smooth and scaleless, and they have a dark brown or black coloration with a white belly.

Candiru are carnivores and feed on a variety of small fish, insects, and crustaceans. They are also known to attack larger animals, such as caimans and turtles. Candiru use their sharp teeth to penetrate the skin of their victims and then suck out their blood.

While candiru are not typically aggressive toward humans, there have been reports of people being injured by these fish. In most cases, the injuries are minor and do not require medical attention. However, there have been a few cases of people dying after being attacked by candiru.

Candiru are not considered to be a major threat to humans, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with swimming in waters where these fish are found. If you are swimming in the Amazon River or its tributaries, it is recommended that you wear protective clothing, such as a wetsuit or swimsuit with a built-in crotch guard. You should also avoid swimming in areas where there are a lot of aquatic plants, as this is where candiru are most likely to be found.