Urology Consultation: The Amazonian Candiru Fish (known as the "Willie Fish" - Ouch!)

The Candiru fish is a relative of the catfish family.

Range - From South America, especially the Amazon and Orinoco river systems.

Habitat - Often reside on the muddy bottoms in slow flowing areas.

Feeding Habits -  Parasitic on the gills of fishes, to which they are attracted by the water flow.  Once embedded under the gill cover, spiny protuberances lock the candiru in place and cause minor hemorrhaging, the blood is then consumed.  The fish reputedly also are attracted to mammalian urine flows and can become painfully lodged in the urethra.

Age and Growth - Small 1-3 inch long fish, approximately one-quarter inch in diameter. Checkout the video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=eSLKZzuLC00