Have you heard of the infamous Amazon fish that can swim up a person's urethra? It's a horrifying tale that has circulated online for years, but is there any truth to it? Let's take a closer look at this urban legend.
The Candiru Fish
The fish in question is called the candiru fish, also known as the vampire fish. It is a small, parasitic catfish that is found in the Amazon River and its tributaries. The fish is known for its ability to swim up the urethra of animals, including humans.
The Urban Legend
The story goes that if a person urinates in the Amazon River, the candiru fish will swim up their urine stream and into their urethra. Once inside, the fish will use its spines to latch onto the walls of the urethra, causing intense pain and potentially life-threatening damage.
While the story is terrifying, there is little evidence to support it. There are very few documented cases of candiru fish swimming up human urethras, and those that do exist are often disputed.
The Reality
While it's unlikely that the candiru fish will swim up a person's urethra, it's still important to take precautions when swimming in the Amazon River. The fish is known to be attracted to urine, so it's best to avoid urinating in the water. If you must go, swim away from the current and try to urinate on the riverbank instead of in the water.
Other Dangers in the Amazon River
While the candiru fish may be the most well-known danger in the Amazon River, it's far from the only one. The river is home to a variety of dangerous creatures, including piranhas, electric eels, and anacondas.
If you're planning on swimming in the Amazon River, it's important to take precautions. Wear protective clothing, avoid swimming alone, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you do encounter a dangerous creature, try to stay calm and slowly back away.
The Bottom Line
While the urban legend of the candiru fish swimming up a person's urethra may be terrifying, there is little evidence to support it. However, it's still important to take precautions when swimming in the Amazon River and to be aware of the other dangers that lurk beneath the water's surface.
