Candiru (fish): Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|A parasitic freshwater catfish native to the Amazon Basin}} | |||
{{Taxobox | |||
| name = Candiru | |||
| image = Candiru fish.jpg | |||
| image_caption = A specimen of the Candiru fish | |||
| regnum = [[Animalia]] | |||
| phylum = [[Chordata]] | |||
| classis = [[Actinopterygii]] | |||
| ordo = [[Siluriformes]] | |||
| familia = [[Trichomycteridae]] | |||
| genus = ''[[Vandellia]]'' | |||
| species = '''''V. cirrhosa''''' | |||
| binomial = ''Vandellia cirrhosa'' | |||
}} | |||
The '''Candiru''' (''Vandellia cirrhosa''), also known as the toothpick fish or vampire fish, is a species of parasitic freshwater catfish native to the [[Amazon Basin]] in South America. It is infamous for its alleged ability to invade and parasitize the human urethra, although such occurrences are extremely rare. | |||
The | |||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
Candiru | The Candiru is a small fish, typically measuring between 2.5 to 5 cm in length, although some individuals can grow up to 15 cm. It has a slender, translucent body that makes it difficult to detect in the water. The fish is equipped with sharp spines on its gill covers, which it uses to anchor itself to its host. | ||
==Habitat== | |||
Candiru are found in the Amazon River and its tributaries. They inhabit the freshwater environments of the basin, thriving in the warm, tropical waters. These fish are often found in areas with slow-moving currents and abundant organic material. | |||
==Behavior== | ==Behavior== | ||
Candiru are | Candiru are hematophagous, meaning they feed on the blood of other fish. They locate their hosts by detecting the flow of water from the gills of larger fish. Once a host is found, the Candiru enters the gill chamber and uses its spines to attach itself, feeding on the host's blood. | ||
== | ==Human Interaction== | ||
The Candiru has gained notoriety for its alleged ability to enter the human urethra. This claim, while widely reported, is largely considered a myth. Documented cases are extremely rare, and the fish's behavior is not naturally inclined towards parasitizing humans. The fear of Candiru attacks is more prevalent in local folklore than in scientific observation. | |||
== | ==Prevention== | ||
Candiru | Local populations in the Amazon Basin have developed various methods to prevent Candiru attacks, such as wearing protective clothing while bathing in the river. Additionally, some traditional remedies involve the use of certain plant extracts believed to deter the fish. | ||
== | ==Cultural Significance== | ||
The Candiru holds a place in the folklore of the Amazonian people, often depicted as a creature to be feared. Its reputation has been exaggerated over time, contributing to its status as a subject of intrigue and horror in popular culture. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Amazon River]] | * [[Amazon River]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Parasitism]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Catfish]] | ||
* [[Freshwater fish]] | |||
[[Category: | [[Category:Catfish]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Parasitic animals]] | ||
[[Category:Amazon River | [[Category:Fish of South America]] | ||
[[Category:Amazon River]] | |||
Latest revision as of 17:33, 18 February 2025
A parasitic freshwater catfish native to the Amazon Basin
The Candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa), also known as the toothpick fish or vampire fish, is a species of parasitic freshwater catfish native to the Amazon Basin in South America. It is infamous for its alleged ability to invade and parasitize the human urethra, although such occurrences are extremely rare.
Description[edit]
The Candiru is a small fish, typically measuring between 2.5 to 5 cm in length, although some individuals can grow up to 15 cm. It has a slender, translucent body that makes it difficult to detect in the water. The fish is equipped with sharp spines on its gill covers, which it uses to anchor itself to its host.
Habitat[edit]
Candiru are found in the Amazon River and its tributaries. They inhabit the freshwater environments of the basin, thriving in the warm, tropical waters. These fish are often found in areas with slow-moving currents and abundant organic material.
Behavior[edit]
Candiru are hematophagous, meaning they feed on the blood of other fish. They locate their hosts by detecting the flow of water from the gills of larger fish. Once a host is found, the Candiru enters the gill chamber and uses its spines to attach itself, feeding on the host's blood.
Human Interaction[edit]
The Candiru has gained notoriety for its alleged ability to enter the human urethra. This claim, while widely reported, is largely considered a myth. Documented cases are extremely rare, and the fish's behavior is not naturally inclined towards parasitizing humans. The fear of Candiru attacks is more prevalent in local folklore than in scientific observation.
Prevention[edit]
Local populations in the Amazon Basin have developed various methods to prevent Candiru attacks, such as wearing protective clothing while bathing in the river. Additionally, some traditional remedies involve the use of certain plant extracts believed to deter the fish.
Cultural Significance[edit]
The Candiru holds a place in the folklore of the Amazonian people, often depicted as a creature to be feared. Its reputation has been exaggerated over time, contributing to its status as a subject of intrigue and horror in popular culture.
