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The Candiru or Canero fish (Vandellia cirrhosa) is a freshwater fish belonging to the catfish group found in the Amazon River. Photo / Ist
Candiru fish are eel-like and nearly translucent, which makes them nearly impossible to see underwater. The Candiru fish, nicknamed the vampire fish, is so familiarly called by the locals, quite famous thanks to the myth that this species infects the human genitals.
There are a number of interesting facts about the Candiru fish that you need to know in order to understand well and not become a victim. Here are 5 curiosities about Candiru fish summarized by SINDOnews from the Tuscaloosanews and Animalsake pages, Saturday (29/10/2022).
1. Inhabitants of the Amazon and the Orinoci
Candiru fish are found in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers in South America. Candiru fish are part of the Neotropical fish fauna and are the most feared fish by the natives due to their terrible reputation.
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Candiru fish are often found in the gills of other fish or their hosts. Once attached to the gill cover, they act as parasites and draw blood from the host fish.
2. Nicknamed Vampire Fish
Candiru fish have terrible nicknames, namely like vampire fish and toothpick fish. Candiru fish feed on blood and are commonly found in the gill cavities of other fish. The spines around its head then pierce the scales of the fish and draw blood while holding it in place.
Then the Candiru fish took a sip of the victim’s blood as it gritted its long teeth in its upper jaw. The Candiru fish then release their fins and sink to the bottom of the river to digest food. This blood-eating habit earned him the nickname Brazilian Vampire Fish.
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3. Interested in the smell of human urine
Candiru fish are very attracted to smells, especially the smell of human urine. It is recommended not to urinate while swimming or diving in the Amazon River. The Candiri fish will follow the flow of urine, swim in the hole and use a series of spines to position itself in the urethra, causing bleeding.
Hence, Candiru fish sometimes attack humans and are known to enter the urinary tract of bathing and swimming animals. Once in the vital organ corridor, straighten the short spines on its gill cover. As a result, it can cause inflammation, bleeding, and even death in its victims.
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4. Swimmers who don’t like the sun
Candiru fish are fast and strong swimmers, because they have a smooth and slimy body. Although small, Candiru fish have sharp teeth and spines that point backward on the gills.
Like most cleaner and parasitic fish, Candiru fish do not like sunlight. To avoid exposure to the sun, Candiru fish bury themselves in the mud and sand at the bottom of the river.
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5. Jagua tree juice
Drinking the green juice of the Jagua tree, Genipa Americana L is believed to be a way to get rid of the Candiru fish. The juice from this fruit is brewed into tea and consumed, presumably by melting the fish’s skeleton and leaving the victim’s body within hours.
Synthetic versions of this drink have been used in the past by urologists to dissolve bladder “crust” and kidney stones. Another way to remove Candiru fish, especially if it can be found in the urethra, is surgery or surgery. Treatment involves extensive surgery. Without treatment, death can result from sepsis.
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(Spider web)
