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 …

May 23, 2019 · The candiru, sometimes known as the “penis fish,” is a small Amazonian catfish. It’s reported to lodge itself in the urethra of people who may be urinating in the water.

Nov 17, 2025 · The Candiru fish, Vandellia cirrhosa, is a small, parasitic freshwater catfish native to the Amazon basin. Often called the “vampire fish,” its notoriety stems from accounts of it invading human …

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 …

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.

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), 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 …

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 …

Candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa) is a small parasitic catfish species native to the Amazon River basin and possibly the Orinoco River basin in South America. The species has not been reported as introduced …

The species most commonly reported as intraurethral is Vandellia cirrhosa ("candiru," "carnero," "canero,", or "vampire catfish"). The exact reason why this fish might accidently enter a body orifice …