James RickardWhat's that fish called?
October 19th 2009 01:53
The last time I was home to see my dad he said, "You have fish on the brain."
I just nodded and smiled because that's a lot better than having one up your penis.
I just nodded and smiled because that's a lot better than having one up your penis.
As it turns out, there's a hideous little parasitic fish in the Amazon known as the Candiru, toothpick fish, or (the name I like) the snatch fish, and it can enter the human body and lodge in the urethra. Although there are plenty of horror stories, there is only one documented case of a candiru entering a human orifice and that took place in 1997.
While some types of candiru grow to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. others are smaller. The smaller species are the ones known to attack man. The body is translucent making it nearly impossible to spot. Short sensory barbels can be found around the head much like a larger catfish and short, backward pointing spines are on its gill covers.
Stories vary but things work basically like this. Always sensitive to the scent or even taste of urine, the candiru follows the trail until it finds a victim. In reality, this "victim" is usually another fish. In humans, the tiny parasite swims up the urethra and lodges itself in the urinary tract via the spines on its gill coverings. In fish, it attaches itself to soft tissue membranes, usually the gills, and begins to feed.
The candiru uses its circular mouth and razor like teeth to bite and then hold on to the flesh and then enter creatures. Once latched on, the parasite proceeds to feed on the organs, quite literally eating a victim from inside.
So, what's this all mean? I guess you don't pee in the Amazon and if you skinny dip, make sure you practice good hygiene!
So, what's this all mean? I guess you don't pee in the Amazon and if you skinny dip, make sure you practice good hygiene!
Remember to take the hooks outta yer pocket before ya sit down!
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