Candiru are South American catfish of a parasitic or scavenging niche. The species known as candiru aren't always closely related, though they all are of interest due to their impact on human health (both …

Aug 10, 2025 · Candiru primarily inhabit the shallow, slow-moving, and often acidic waterways within the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, including countries like Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and …

Jun 15, 2022 · The candiru is a tiny parasitic fish that lives in South America — and supposedly has a penchant for swimming into the human penis. Of all of the beasts that prowl the Amazon region, few …

Jul 14, 2025 · The candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa), often referred to as the “vampire fish” or “toothpick fish,” has developed a reputation that sends shivers down the spines of both locals and travelers alike.

candiru, (Vandellia cirrhosa), scaleless, parasitic catfish of the family Trichomycteridae found in the Amazon River region. A translucent, eellike fish about 2.5 cm (1 inch) long, the candiru feeds on …

Apr 23, 2022 · The lesion caused by the candiru was found to be elliptical, but this candiru species seems to be different from the tiny blood-feeding Vandellia cirrhosa which is supposed to travel up the...

Candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa), also known as cañero, toothpick fish, or vampire fish, is a species of parasitic freshwater catfish in the family Trichomycteridae native to the Amazon Basin where it is …

The Candiru inhabits the dark, murky waters of the Amazon and its tributaries, thriving in the slow-moving currents and hiding within sandy or muddy riverbeds. This environment not only provides an …

The Candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa) is a tiny, translucent catfish found in the Amazon River basin. It belongs to the Trichomycteridae family, which includes many parasitic fish species.

Candiru are parasites, feeding on the blood of other fish. When a candiru locates a host (through visual and chemical cues), it heads towards the gills, where it either forces itself under the operculum or …